Speaking on The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTÉ One, Louise gave a heartfelt recollection
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02 Feb 2026
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02 Feb 2026
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PARA-ATHLETE
The winner of the 2025 Para-Athlete Award is Samantha McColgan, Burnfoot
In October, Burnfoot woman Samantha (Sam) McColgan was a member of the 12-person Ireland hurling team that competed in a Para-Floorball Tournament in the Netherlands. Remarkably, she had only taken up wheelchair hurling two years ago. Sam is Inishowen’s first international wheelchair hurler and she was only one of two women to make the Irish squad.
12 years ago, a spinal infection left Sam almost totally incapacitated and dependent on a wheelchair for everyday life. But she was determined to find ways to get fit for both her physical and mental wellbeing. She was introduced to wheelchair basketball in Derry. Next it was wheelchair hurling and now its floorball. Her desire to be more independent took a major step forward in 2019 when she was able to get back driving again.
Sam is now giving talks to schools and groups, encouraging those with disabilities to explore ways of participating in sports.
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