Athlete Corner: Edward Coughlan

Meet Edward Coughlan, a vibrant 30-year-old from Ballyfin, Co Laois, who is living life to the fullest despite the challenges of cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Edward, who has two sisters and one brother, proudly passed both his Junior Cert and Leaving Cert at Mountmellick Community School - a testament to his determination and hard work!

Edward spends his days at the Triogue Hub which is the Rehab Care Centre, in Portlaoise. His passions include running, watching Coronation Street, and cheering for Manchester United. He also cherishes his visits to his Aunty Rita in sunny Spain.

Special Olympics holds a special place in Edward's heart, and he’s dedicated to his twice a week club sessions.

He adores everything about it, from bowling and the festive Christmas party to the camaraderie of making new friends. His friends are incredibly supportive, inviting him to parties and cheering him on during his runs.

Edward is an all-rounder in athletics, participating in running, mini-javelin, and floorball. He loves every activity equally and thrives on the excitement of competitions, the joy of winning medals, and the fun of weekend getaways with friends. The Special Olympics not only fills Edward with happiness but also makes his family immensely proud. He extends a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers and trainers who make it all possible!

Despite experiencing seizures, Edward's spirit remains unbreakable. When communication becomes a challenge, he simply spells things out, ensuring he's always understood. His message is clear: he wants to be treated just like everyone else.

Edward's New Year's resolution is to kick his chocolate habit. He's confident he's making progress, which is amazing!