The Cork Jazz Ball 2024 Supporting Spinal Injuries Ireland
The Cork Jazz Ball has been a significant fundraising event, raising over €250,000 over the years in support of Spinal Injuries Ireland. This generous contribution has played a crucial role in funding the organisation’s core programmes, which provide essential support to individuals with spinal cord injuries across Munster.
Through these initiatives, Spinal Injuries Ireland helps those affected by spinal injuries to improve their quality of life, offering services such as rehabilitation, peer mentoring, and advocacy to assist them in overcoming challenges and regaining independence. The ongoing success of the Cork Jazz Ball demonstrates the community’s commitment to this cause and the positive impact it has had on the lives of many.
Have a great night out with colleagues, family or friends during Jazz weekend at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Saturday October 26th and meet Ian O’Connell
- Date: Saturday 26th October
- Location: Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork
- Dress code: Dress for Jazz/Black Tie.
- Guest Speaker: Ian O’Connell
A Journey of Resilience: Ian’s Story
Ian O’Connell, a 23-year-old from Killarney, County Kerry, was once a sporty teenager full of life, surrounded by family, friends, and the excitement of playing hurling, football, rugby, and more. Always up for a challenge, Ian had a mantra: “Try anything once, twice if I like it.” Little did he know that on a normal summer’s day in August 2017, his life would change forever.
That day, Ian and his friends set out on their bikes to Killarney National Park, as they often did during their summer holidays. As they cycled down a familiar hill, Ian’s front wheel hit a hidden log. Thrown eight feet over the handlebars, he landed on his neck, instantly paralysed from the shoulders down. The injury was catastrophic a severed spinal cord at the C4 level, along with a collapsed lung and a bleed on the brain.
In the days following the accident, Ian faced the sobering reality of his new life. The hardest part? Accepting that football and the other sports he loved would no longer be his outlet. But Ian’s resilience shone through, and he soon discovered new ways to thrive.
With the help of Dragon Naturally Speaking software and a mouth stick, Ian regained access to his phone and the world of communication. It was a game changer. He could now chat with friends, connect on social media, and rebuild some of the life he thought he had lost.
Ian also found strength in his local GAA club, Spa GAA, where he was honoured to be named Captain of their minor team. Though he could no longer play on the field, he became a motivational figure in his community, reminding everyone that a wheelchair wasn’t who he was—it was simply how he got around.
Ian’s journey didn’t stop there. He shared his story on Ireland’s Late Late Show, where he met UFC coach John Kavanagh, who invited him to sit ringside at a major fight. Ian also met celebrities like Michael Fassbender and Sir Alex Ferguson and was even invited to a garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin by President Michael D. Higgins.
But beyond these adventures, Ian has dedicated his voice to advocating for others with spinal cord injuries. He works closely with Spinal Injuries Ireland, supporting their “Make My Day” program. This initiative offers people with spinal cord injuries a chance to do something special, like attending concerts, going to the cinema, or even taking a thrilling boat trip up the Liffey.
For Ian, life after his injury is about showing others that they, too, can find joy and meaning despite their challenges. And with the help of Spinal Injuries Ireland, he’s determined to spread that message far and wide.
Just as Ian’s life was forever changed, he now seeks to change the lives of others—one day, one adventure, and one act of kindness at a time.
Book your table or tickets to the Jazz Ball HERE
