Freak accident ends dream of future Irish Army career

OVER €10,000 has been raised to support a Belclare rugby player who suffered catastrophic injuries playing a match for Tuam Ladies Rugby earlier this year.
Carmel Creaven, 24, was injured at Gurrane Park in January when she collided with opposing players coming out of a maul during a game. A Poker Night organised by Tuam Rugby Club, in conjunction with an online fundraising campaign, is supporting Carmel’s medical expenses after she was diagnosed with a rare condition that has left her on crutches with limited mobility.
Doctors in University Hospital Galway had never come across a case of Central Cord Spinal Shock syndrome and were left perplexed when Carmel’s MRI and CT scan results came back clear.
“I don’t remember what happened. I was knocked out and when I woke up I couldn’t move and had no feeling in my arms or legs,” said Carmel.

Carmel is coming to terms with the fact her injuries will prevent her from pursuing a full time role in the Irish Army, having served as a Private in D Company in recent years.
“My dream of a full-time role in the army is gone as I will never pass the physical after this,” she said.