A 14-year-old in Donegal has proved that if you put your mind to something you can achieve anything.

 

Edward O’Reilly was born with a birth defect that left him with the use of just one hand, but that has not stopped him from learning to play golf – a sport he is said to have fallen in love with.

 

The youngster, who has been receiving lessons from Seamus McMonagle since the age of eight, has been described by his coach as “an inspiration”.

 

Taking to Facebook to celebrate the youngster’s incredible achievements, Seamus wrote: “I have never seen Edward’s disability as a hindrance, only a challenge.” 

 

Going on to explain how the teen manages to play so well with just one hand, he added: “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.”

 

Trying to inspire others who are struggling with something hard, the golfer said: "Don’t give up because things are hard…. Edward sure doesn’t.”

 

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, 3 September 2015
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