The late Fergal changed lives after his life-changing car accident in Limerick

THE MEMORY of the late Fergal Cagney was deeply cherished this Christmas and New Year. Despite facing many challenges in his life, the Kilteely man’s unwavering positivity continues to inspire. 

This reporter has interviewed countless people but never have I felt like I did after chatting to Fergal in his home. He left a lasting impression. The photo above perfectly captures Fergal, who passed away in December.

Inspector Tony Miniter put it best in 2016 when he said: “Fergal is an incredibly courageous young man”. Rugby great Alan Quinlan said he was “inspirational” after hearing him give a talk.

Fergal’s life changed irrevocably  20 years ago when early one morning his car hit black ice while driving to work.

The Kilteely man was involved in a collision with a jeep. He suffered injuries to his spine and was paralysed from the neck down.

In what was typical of Fergal, his concern was for others, saying, “Thankfully no one else was injured”.

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He spent two years in hospitals in Limerick and Dublin. He couldn’t speak for six months and used a reading board to communicate. Finally, in December 2006, Fergal returned home to Kilteely.

“My family and friends built a beautiful apartment for me on to the family home. It has all the facilities I need,” said Fergal.

Between family and carers, he got the 24-hour care he required but Fergal gave so much more back to his family, friends and community. 

Fergal became a strong advocate for road safety. He teamed up with gardai in Limerick to give many talks in conjunction with the Lifesaver Project.

When Fergal talked, people listened. He planted seeds in thousands of secondary school students’ minds.

“It is cool to have a cool car, it’s nice to have a nice car but it’s neither cool nor nice to be in a wheelchair”.

“My message is to encourage people to drive safely, especially young people when they start driving. Do not think it will never happen to you, as I thought the same. It can happen to anyone at anytime,” said Fergal. Nobody knows how many lives he saved through his words.

He is now reunited with his loving and devoted mother Frances who passed in January 2024. Fergal's standing in the local community was reflected by Kilteely-Dromkeen GAA  bringing the Liam MacCarthy Cup to him in 2018 when it was their turn. Fergal was also club president and a regular at games.

James O’Regan, Kilteely-Dromkeen GAA Club PRO, paid a moving tribute to their loved president, supporter, and former player.

“Most people have to demonstrate courage and resilience every now and again, but Fergal had to do this every day. Thanks to the care, love and devotion of his parents Vincent and the dearly departed Frances, as well as the rest of the Cagney family, carers and friends, Fergal was never alone.

“In January 2005, Fergal’s life changed. A strong indicator of the huge respect and compassion that friends and neighbours had for Fergal and the Cagney family followed. A fundraiser that our club helped to organise  in the Golden Thatch Emly in aid of Fergal’s care was hugely supported.

"Through this and the support of his family and the medical staff , Fergal was able to return home to Kildromin,” said James, who described Fergal as an inspiration both on and off the field for many successful Kilteely-Dromkeen GAA teams. James said Fergal’s juvenile career had many highlights. 

“Playing with his brothers, the training at home surely stood to him as well as the encouragement from his parents,” said James, who recounted all Fergal's achievements on the GAA field.

Fergal was made Kilteely-Dromkeen GAA Club president where he was  a source of inspiration for many teams and players over the years. 

“He has been a huge supporter of the club on and off the field and he will be sadly missed by all generations of the club.

“Fergal had a huge passion for all sports including being a season ticket holder with Munster Rugby, Aston Villa, Celtic and boccia, which was regularly played as part of the Kilteely-Dromkeen Community Festival.

"Fergal officially opened the first Community Festival in 2009. A community he was very proud to be part of,” said James.

He concluded by saying they will miss Fergal as they  do Frances but, “We can take some comfort that they can now rest peacefully  together forever. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”

Fergal is sadly missed by his loving father Vincent, brothers Brian, Kevin, Dermot, Noel, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, carers and many friends.