Refusing to be defined by twist of fate

Ireland’s wheelchair rugby athletes put everything on the line to reach European Championships

Outside the gym doors, two men in wheelchairs blow cigarette smoke towards the sky. They don’t share as much as a glance, never mind a word. Maybe it’s the language barrier. Maybe you don’t converse with the enemy. Or maybe they are too nervous as from inside you can hear a tuxedoed announcer doing a Michael Buffer impression as he winds up a colourful crowd of a few hundred.

“For the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world,” he booms in an accent tinged with Meath, “let’s get ready to rumble.”