This is Edward O'Reilly. He's 14 years old and was born with a normal hand and a birth defect on the other. I've been teaching Edward since he was 8 years old. I have never seen Edward's disability as a hindrance, only a challenge.
I got Edward to use his the end of his arm to cock the club on the way back keeping his elbows close to his body so his arm wouldn't come off the club - then to uncock the club really early on the follow though so he would be able to release it and get through the ball.
Edward is an inspiration to teach. He never complains about anything. If he hits a bad shot he just smiles and gets on with it. I see so many kids now that throw clubs around, oftentimes letting them go if they don't hit a perfect shot and giving up after a few holes if things don't go their way.
Don't give up because things are hard....Edward sure doesn't.
Posted by Seamus McMonagle Golf Coaching on Thursday, September 3, 2015
A VIDEO of a Donegal teenager playing golf has received huge support on social media, as he is impressively doing so one-handed.
Edward O’Reilly, 14, was born with a defect that left him unable to use one hand.
After falling in love with the sport, he began receiving lessons from Seamus McMonagle at the age of eight.
Referring to Edward as “an inspiration to teach” Seamus posted a video on Facebook of the young golfer showing off his skills.
“I have never seen Edward's disability as a hindrance, only a challenge,” he said.
“I got Edward to use his the end of his arm to cock the club on the way back keeping his elbows close to his body so his arm wouldn't come off the club - then to uncock the club really early on the follow though so he would be able to release it and get through the ball.
“Edward is an inspiration to teach. He never complains about anything. If he hits a bad shot he just smiles and gets on with it.
“I see so many kids now that throw clubs around, often letting them go if they don't hit a perfect shot and giving up after a few holes if things don't go their way.
"Don't give up because things are hard.... Edward sure doesn't.”
