Wheelchair Rugby/Murderball!

Wheelchair Rugby, aka Quad Rugby or Murderball was developed in the 1970s in the US. Now a paralympic sport, it is played in approximately 24 countries around the world. Wheelchair Rugby is a sport that is designed for quadraplegics, or people with upper and lower limb impairments. In Ireland, the sport is open to any age or sex and if you can push a wheelchair then you can play! Played indoors on a hardwood court, this contact sport includes elements of a few sports: wheelchair basketball, ice hockey, handball and rugby.

The Irish Team!
Wheelchair Rugby was introduced to Ireland in 1997 by Garrett Culliton. Garrett saw the game being played in the US. He was certain that Ireland could have their own team. It took a few seasons for them to win a game, but now Ireland currently ranks 15th in the world! The Gaelic Warriors have spare chairs that interested people may use to try out the sport. If you wish to learn more, log onto http://www.gaelicwarriors.com/.

Murderball – The Movie
“Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro's Murderball is an inspiring documentary, which proves that physical limitations are no match for the human spirit... For the determined quadriplegic men who participate in the dangerous sport of "quad rugby", it is more than just a game: it is a chance to prove themselves in a much bigger way. With armoured wheelchairs and enough macho energy to overcome any challenge, the players engage in a violently physical game.” The Irish Times DVD Club - February 9th 2010