Boy, 13, recovering from serious brain injury after rugby accident

A 13-year-old boy who sustained a serious brain injury on a rugby pitch was yesterday continuing to make a good recovery at Cork University Hospital.

Ronan Fitzgerald was rushed by ambulance from Tralee, Co Kerry, to CUH, where he underwent life-saving surgery.

The son of Garda Sgt Brian Fitzgerald and his wife, Sheila, of Churchill, Tralee, Ronan suffered the injury while training with other members of the youth team at Tralee Rugby Club, on Saturday.

The Fitzgeralds have thanked emergency service and medical personnel who, by their prompt actions and expertise, saved Ronan’s life.

‘’Everyone was so good and we can’t thank them enough,’’ said his mother Sheila.

Ronan, a first-year pupil at Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School, Tralee, had extensive bleeding in his brain after being involved in an accidental collision in the club’s training grounds.

At first it was thought he had concussion and he received assistance at the scene. He was brought by car to Kerry General Hospital, in Tralee, where the seriousness of his condition was diagnosed.

He was then transferred by ambulance to CUH, with a garda escort all the way to the hospital ensuring that he got there as quickly as possible.

Surgeons operated successfully to stop the bleeding in his brain. He was in intensive care for two days and then taken off a ventilator and moved to the hospital’s high-dependency unit.

Sheila Fitzgerald said his “miracle” recovery would not have happened without the efforts of the brilliant staff in both hospitals.

“The only reason Ronan is still alive is because of the excellent care he received,” she added. “I don’t have enough words to thank everyone who helped him.

“When we got to the hospital, the emergency consultant said he had never seen anything like it. Ronan might not have made it in another few minutes.”

Tralee Rugby Club PRO Fionnbar Walsh yesterday said everyone was delighted that Ronan, whom he described as a dedicated and enthusiastic young player, was making a good recovery.

“From personal experience, I know this is a good and caring club and everyone is praying for Ronan and his family,’’ said Mr Walsh.

“We wish him well in his recovery and hope to have him back with us as soon as possible and fully recovered.’’

The Fitzgerald family has been receiving numerous phone calls and messages of support, while fellow students at Mercy Mounthawk have held a prayer service for Ronan.