Gift of hope for brain injury survivors: Late Eoghan Doherty attended ABI Ireland Clubhouse in Longford

Tributes were paid to the late Eoghan Doherty at his home in Mullingar, as his parents, Olivia and James, made a life-changing gift on their son’s behalf to Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland.

Eoghan, who acquired a brain injury in October 2003, chose to will his home to the national charity after his passing – a remarkable act of generosity that will transform the lives of many others affected by acquired brain injury into the future.

As Olivia and James handed over the keys of the house to the organisation, ABI Ireland Chief Executive, Dr Karen Foley, described the future impact of Eoghan’s legacy.

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Dr Foley said she wanted to "sincerely thank Eoghan, Olivia and James for giving the gift of hope and autonomy to brain injury survivors living in the midlands".

“This incredible, state-of-the-art and fully accessible home was adapted so thoughtfully and carefully to enable Eoghan to live his life here as fully and independently as possible.

“Its universal design meant that Eoghan, despite living with physical limitations, could live the life of his choosing, surrounded by the activities, interests and people that made him happiest.”

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ABI Ireland provides community-based neuro-rehabilitation to survivors of brain injury across Ireland.

Every day the organisation works with people impacted by brain injury and their families in their homes and communities, in Clubhouse settings and in residences with 24/7 rehabilitation expertise, helping them to work towards achieving their personal goals and living life with meaning and independence.

Following his accident, Eoghan attended the ABI Ireland Clubhouse in Edgeworthstown, where he enjoyed taking part in activities with peers, building new skills, and where he played a pivotal role in setting up an exercise group specifically for the Clubhouse members.

He is remembered very fondly by the midlands rehabilitation team who also spoke of his love of fun and his great, mischievous sense of humour.

“Eoghan never wanted pity”, said Sarah Hegarty, ABI Ireland Community Rehabilitation Assistant, who worked alongside him during his years at the Clubhouse. “But he felt strongly about injustice and fair treatment for people with a disability.

I think it’s so fitting that he donated his home to others who will benefit from it.”

ABI Ireland’s service in the midlands covers counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford.

It already includes one assisted living house in Mountbolus, in addition to home and community, clinical, and group rehabilitation support.

This new property in Mullingar will see the service build its capacity and ability to meet the needs of more people living with the impacts of acquired brain injury in local communities.