Sport often throws up some incredible stories.
Human interest is something that we can all relate to in some way shape or form.
When someone defies the odds, upsets the odds, and virtually comes back from the dead it captures the heart and imagination of just about anyone regardless of whether you like sport or not.
And we don’t have to look too far for a true example of this.
Local teenager Shane ‘Buzz’ O’Reilly was out with his friends after Pres De La Salle Bagenalstown contested the All Ireland Senior Schools Football Final on March 25th against Strokestown.
In an unfortunate accident Shane suffered a horrific injury underneath his shoulder which left him with no fewer than forty stitches and a 10cm wound.
If it wasn’t for some of his friends, the young man could easily have not made it through as they kept pressure on the wound, and after going through surgery the doctors told Reilly that he was literally within an inch of losing his life with an artery nearby.
Less than 8 weeks later Nurney Villa were contesting a Leinster Youth’s Cup Final against St Kevin’s Boys.
Remarkably ‘Buzz’ made an appearance on the field of play and played his part in the famous 4-3 victory.
Despite having a spell at Shelbourne, the youngster had said that his most cherished sporting moment was winning the Keele International Cup in Manchester in a New Oak Boys side which also featured Paulstown twins John and Paul Martin who currently ply their trade with Waterford FC.
He also represented Carlow in the All Ireland Feile Skills competition in Derry four years ago where his club Michael Davitts were hosted by Ballinderry.
However last Saturday surpassed that accolade for ‘Buzz’ and the victory with Nurney Villa will be hard to beat in future.
In life the margins are fine.
In the space of just eight weeks ‘Buzz’ went from being within an inch of losing his life to winning the game of his life
Some say that everything happens for a reason.
Others say that things in life were meant to be.
If ever an example was needed then this is the prime candidate.
