Inspirational Donal sits exams at home as he fights cancer

An inspirational Kerry teen is sitting his Junior Certificate at home.

Since being diagnosed with bone cancer almost three years ago, 16-year-old Donal Walsh had to juggle treatment with his school work, while also maintaining a keen interest in sport.

The Tralee CBS student has also been leading a fundraising drive to provide a “teen den” in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.

During his time in the Dublin hospital, he noticed there was no area where patients of his age group could relax, as the hospital was geared very much towards younger children.

In Sept 2009, Donal, from Blennerville, Tralee, was found to have bone cancer and had most of his knee replaced. He spent a year receiving treatment in Crumlin but the cancer returned last February. Since then, he has had half a lung removed.

Last year, he trained Tralee Rugby Club’s U13 team which won the West Munster League and Cup and he currently trains the club’s U14 side.

A big Munster rugby fan, he built a close friendship with player Paul O’Connell and hopes to study sports management.

Meanwhile, all his focus is on the Junior Cert and he admits to being “very pleased, so far” with the exams.

A Department of Education invigilator collects the papers at CBS, brings them to the Walsh home, and stays with Donal during the exam.

Donal’s parents, Fionnbar and Elma Walsh, praised their son’s spirit and zest for life. “He’s very positive and has a good frame of mind,” said Mr Walsh, manager of the Maritime Hotel in Bantry, Co Cork.

Donal underwent a chemotherapy session prior to the Junior Cert and, being susceptible to infection, had to sit the exams at home.

His sister, Jema, 17, is doing the Leaving Cert in Presentation Secondary School, Tralee.

Donal continues his fundraising for Crumlin, with the help of family and friends. They have collected €10,500 for St John’s Ward and €2,500 for the Make A Wish Foundation.