There has been a very positive reaction on social media to former Charleville hurler Dessie Fitzgerald's inspiring Late Late Show interview last night.
Dessie was living an ordinary, happy life when a spate of life-changing events in one year led him to hit rock bottom. Between losing two of his brothers to suicide and sudden adults death syndrome (SADS), he fractured his C4 vertebrae and severely damage his spinal cord while playing for Charleville against Kilbrin in a Cork JHC 'A' semi-final at Buttevant in 2011.
The now father-of-two spent months in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire before slipping into a deep depression. But he has since turned his life around, has opened his own life coaching clinic and is embracing every second of life.
What courage by Dessie Fitzgerald on the late late show. ππΌππΌ #latelateshow
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) April 19, 2019
What amazing courage shown by former Cork Hurler Dessie Fitzgerald on the Late Late show. Such an extraordinary and inspirational man with wonderful mental strength and resilience. He is a credit to his family with his honesty and bravery. Wishing you a long and happy life Dessie pic.twitter.com/M91E9LcBln
— Dublin GAA Fans (@DubsGAAFans) April 19, 2019
Dessie Fitzgerald's story as just told to Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show tonight just extraordinary and inspirational. Some man.#LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/2QsM09Ojp0
— Matt O'Callaghan (@MattOCall) April 19, 2019
Great courage shown from past pupil Dessie Fitzgerald on tonight’s Late Late Show. What an amazing and inspirational young man. https://t.co/5VrgIwzpU4
— St. Colman’s College, Fermoy (@colmanscollege) April 19, 2019
#dessiefitzgerald heart wrenching - WOW such strength of character. Life is precious #LateLateShow
— Henry Shefflin (@ShefflinHenry) April 19, 2019
Dessie FitzGerald ππ an inspiration to all! What a positive man! #LateLateShow
— Damien Comer (@DamoComer) April 19, 2019
Dessie Fitzgerald on #LateLateShow mental strength and resilience defined. Thanks for sharing
— Tom Parsons (@TomParsons_8) April 19, 2019
TweetSome hugely inspiring stories on @rte #LateLateShow tonight π There is always light at the end of the tunnel!
— Ryan Jones (@ryanjonesy8) April 19, 2019