“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews Chapter 13 – Verse 16.
Darragh Stakelum grew up the healthy and energetic son of loving parents Jim and Breda.
A loving partner to his long term girlfriend Orla; Darragh enjoyed life after finishing his education in Thurles CBS and WIT Waterford; starting work first in Stakelums Hardware and later at Aldi Supermarket, Thurles.
A keen sports enthusiast from a young age, winning many county finals with his clubs Durlas OG and Thurles Sarsfields. A grandnephew of Pat Stakelum (1949 Tipperary Captain) and first cousin to Declan Hannon (Captain of Limerick 2018 all Ireland winning team), Darragh also displayed great talent playing golf.
In December of 2015 his vision became blurred and following many tests he was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Atrophy. There was no cure and Darragh unfortunately went blind within a few months. Darragh’s life, at just 26 years old, would now begin a total different journey.
Pushing his darkness aside and accepting future challenges, Darragh got involved with the National Council for the Blind Ireland [NCBI]; playing blind soccer and golf. With sport he found refuge and progressed to representing the Republic of Ireland in blind soccer.
In 2017 following intense training and with the assistance of his caddy Gerry McCormack, he became the first Tipperary person to win the Irish open blind golf tournament. He accomplished his dream to represent Ireland in the world blind golf championship in Rome and was due to travel to Rome in November 2018.
On the 5th August 2018 Darragh was hit with yet another of life`s crushing blows. Following problems with his cognitive functions, his life was shattered once again when it was confirmed that he now had a malignant brain tumour. Darragh is now left with no alternative but to battle cancer. He underwent surgery followed by radium treatment in CUH and continued hard to overcome each of what seems endless obstacle placed in his path.
Hospitalised since Christmas eve 2018 and with a host of complications Darragh is currently not a suitable candidate for further treatment. He is currently been assessed for suitable rehabilitation and will require full-time care and support.
You our readers can help support Darragh at this time to keep fighting on his journey and together we can get the professional care he requires Whatever you can donate will be truly appreciated and his family thank you most sincerely from the bottom of their hearts.
A campaign has now begun to help assist Darragh on his future journey and you can help by clicking HERE.
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