Nicky's Story
Nicky Cleere is an accomplished sportsman with an impressive GAA track record. This is his own story of what happened on his way home from a stag party in Portugal, and the progress he's making after his brain injury...
I was in an accident 2 years ago. I had a big football game coming up so I didn't drink alcohol for 6 weeks. I was on a stag party in Portugal and had a few pints of beer and a few shots. Around three in the morning I decided it was time to go, so I left the nightclub without telling anyone. Outside on the pavement I looked left and nothing coming so I walked and half way across the road I went bang, the cars come from the other direction down there. I am lucky I am so strong any weaker I would have died.
I was in an induced coma for a few weeks, when I woke up I could not walk I was in a wheelchair when I came around a bit I had a Zimmer frame and then a walking stick. That is all retired now I just walk by myself walking heel toe, no help needed.
I am very grateful not lucky to have got into the NRH which stands for National Rehabilitation Hospital. It has a part of it called the RTU the regional training unit. At the beginning in the RTU I started off from 10.00am to 12.30 Monday to Thursday even though it doesn't close until 4pm every day. Then I progressed to staying late on Tuesday and Thursday until eventually my stamina grew so that I could do full days every day. The class is full; unfortunately there is a huge demand for the RTU.
I used to be quite sporty. I represented Dublin at under 12, 14, 16, minor, under 21 levels and a few games for the seniors in the O'Byrne cup. I was Captain of Dublin minor team in 1999 and winner of Leinster minor medal in that year. We lost to Down in the all Ireland semi final reply in Navan. I got sports star of the month in Fingal and also won the Pat Hoey award here in the school. I also played a bit of hurling and won the killer "B" competition with Syls. I was Captain of most football teams; I think I was a good player and a good motivator.
Since the accident I have lost my smell and taste, everyone thinks that is bad but it could have been worse I could of lost my arm, my legs or even my head. Since the accident I have given up alcohol except for at weddings I have a glass of champagne for the toast. I don't miss it at all.
My memory is not great either I can not remember all the sports awards I have won, or the trip to Portugal where the accident happened, or asking my girlfriend to marry me, or studying to get my APC that's Advanced Professional Competency, I did that in Savills where I used to work.
When I was knocked down, three nice ladies found me half dead at the side of the road. I got their addressees and sent them letters thanking them for saving my life. They were very kind.
I have now completed my rehab programme at the NRH. I am now concentrating on building my independence, getting more fit and making more & more decisions for myself. I have moved back into my apartment in Swords and I organise my day by myself. This is something I would not have been able for 6 months ago.
I can see my progress and it encourages me to continue working hard. I am a positive person and this has helped me to remain focused and determined in my recovery. I will never be able to undo the brain injury, it is with me for the rest of my life, but I will be able to manage my weaknesses and continue to build on my strengths.
My new sport at the moment is golf and I play the par 3 in the castle when I have time. I won't be able to play Gaelic football again so I am going to take up coaching kids. As I have always been sporty I really enjoy getting back out there and competing and learning. You never know, I might be good at my new sport, golf, only time will tell.
That's all from me except for this one line which I hope you will listen to..... When you are at a party or an after leaving cert holiday don't leave the party or nightclubs on your own, leave in a group, its much safer that way.