Conor Dufficy from Moate (left) and Michael Flaherty from Kinnity, both of whom are members of the Leinster Wheelchair Hurling Team.

Leinster GAA seeks new members for Wheelchair Hurling Team

Geraldine Grennan

Published: Tue 26 Aug 2025, 3:50 PM

Leinster GAA has put out a call for new players for its Wheelchair Hurling Team, and is inviting anyone with an interest in sport, teamwork and fun to get involved.

Wheelchair Hurling is an exciting, fast-paced, and inclusive sport that offers a great way to stay active and meet new people, while getting a chance to represent your province.

Training takes place every Friday evening at 7:00pm in Mountmellick (the Portlaoise area)., and all equipment is provided.

Wheelchair hurling is part of the GAA Games4All initiative which aims to make sport inclusive for people of all ages, genders and abilities. Teams are made up of six per side, and while the game is based on the fundamental skills that exist in hurling, the rules have been tailored to adapt the skills to suit each individual and their capabilities.

The concept of wheelchair hurling was devised by Kerry’s Tim Maher over two decades ago while he was a teacher in a Dublin school for children with special needs. When he noticed the students striking a football with tennis rackets, he came up with an idea to replace the rackets with hurleys and wheelchair hurling was born.

Sean Bennett from Mountmellick, who is captain of the Leinster Wheelchair Hurling Team and also serves as their accomplished goalkeeper, pictured with legendary former Kilkenny senior hurling manager, Brian Cody.

Since then, its popularity has soared to include inter-provincial leagues during the year and the M. Donnolly All-Ireland Final, which is the most eagerly anticipated date of the year for wheelchair hurlers from across the four provinces. The competition consists of a blitz between teams from the four provinces, all of whom are vying to win the coveted All-Ireland title.

Wheelchair Hurling offers many benefits for members, including :

Being part of a growing, competitive provincial team

Improving fitness and skills in a fun, supportive environment

Representing Leinster in interprovincial competitions

Geting involved with the GAA through its Games4All inclusion programme

Anyone seeking further information or wishing to register their interest is asked to please contact James Devane – james.devane.leinster@gaa.ie or reach out to any member of the Games4All Committee.

Further information about the weekly training sessions in Mountmellick Sports Complez from 7.30pm to 9pm on Friday nights is also available from Sean Bennett at 086 3136435.

The Leinster GAA Wheelchair Hurling Team includes members from all over the Leinster region, including from Offaly and Westmeath, and is an ideal chance to get fit, meet new people and have lots of fun in the process!