Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA would encourage anyone who can support Darragh to do so if possible. Darragh is a nephew of club man Jim Rafter. See below

link to donate is here

Darragh grew up a healthy and energetic son to Jim and Breda, brother to Cathal and Aislinn. He is also the loving partner to his long term girlfriend Orla. Enjoyed life after finishing his education in Thurles CBS and WIT Waterford. Started his working life in Stakelums Hardware and later Aldi Thurles.

A keen sports enthusiast from a young age winning many county finals with his clubs Durlas OG and Thurles Sarsfields. Grandnephew of Pat Stakelum 1949 Tipperary captain and first cousin to Declan Hannon captain of Limerick 2018 all Ireland winning team. From a young age Darragh also displayed great talent playing golf.

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December 2015 his vision became blurred and following many tests was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Atrophy. There was no cure and Darragh unfortunately went blind within a short few months. At 26 Darragh`s new life journey began.

Pushing the darkness aside and accepting the challenge Darragh got involved with the NCBI playing blind soccer and golf. With sport he found refuge and progressed onto represent 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.  Darragh was due to travel to Rome in November 2018.

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On the 5th August 2018 Darragh was hit with one of life`s crushing blows. Following problems with his cognitive functions his life was shattered once again when it was confirmed that he now has a malignant brain tumour. Darragh now has to battle cancer.

He underwent surgery followed by radium treatment in CUH and continued hard to overcome each obstacle put 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 fulltime care and support.

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Please support Darragh to keep fighting on his journey and together we can get the professional care he requires Whatever you can donate will be truly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.