Dynamic Pa still roping in the awards: Dublin City Marathon win followed by Rehab Kildare Inspirational Award 2016

The abilities and sporting achievement of Caragh’s Pa Monahan has captured the hearts of Co Kildare people in recent years. Last Sunday, Pa secured his third win in the SSE Airtricity Marathon in Dublin, his third win in the fiercely competitive wheelchair category - and almost 28 minutes ahead of nearest rival and runner-up, Richie Powell. Next Friday, Pa will be honoured yet again at this year's REHAB Kildare People of the Year Awards (last week, he was amongst a selection of Kildare athletes recognised by Kildare County Council for sporting achievements). The supreme athlete will receive a standalone Inspirational Award with 9 other community activists lauded on the night.

Aged 21, a plumber by profession, an avid GAA player with Raheens, life was good for young Pa when he had a car accident and sustained injuries that meant he would never walk again. Instead of looking forward to the championship year ahead, young Pa was beginning his rehabilitation programme at the National Rehab Unit in Dun Laoghaire. On his release from Rehab, no doubt his acclimatisation back into home and everyday life was difficult but in no time, Pa was back driving.Whilst it might take others a few years to adjust and return to the workforce, 12 months later, Pa decided it was time to 'get back out there' and look to a new career.

With the help of a cousin, he decided on a complete change and secured a position with Ulster Bank in Athy. Pa excelled in his role in banking and remained in Athy for a number of years before he was transferred to their Business Centre in Kilkenny. It was only when he decided to take up wheelchair racing on a full-time basis, Pa decided to take time out from work to focus on his training.

It was the London Olympics in 2012 that inspired Pa to take up wheelchair racing. His journey from then has been truly amazing. He has come a long way from his first attempt at 'pushing' his wheelchair around Punchestown Racecourse to see how he would get on. When he began racing in his chair, it was simply as a form of exercise and he had no idea where it could lead him.

But once again his determination, competitive streak, and back bone of steel shone through and he decided to compete in the Dublin City Marathon in October 2013. Despite a relatively short time in training, he finished in third place, in a chair not properly fitted for Pa. He went on to win the Belfast Marathon the following May and the Dublin Marathons in 2014 and 2015 - on each occasion knocking times off his personal best and Irish Records.

In an interview with Paul Kimmage in 2014, Pa stated it was his ambition to qualify for the RIO Paralympics. “If I made the team, I think I could say that I have overcome my injury”. This year, Pa represented Ireland at RIO and despite contracting a virus in the Brazilian Olympic campus, he still managed to compete in the wheelchair marathon and finish in the first 20!

An amazing determination, an amazing athlete, Pa Monahan of Caragh!