Community rallying around local man after fall in Killarney
Ger O’Doherty, who was injured in accident recently, pictured at his house in Ardshanavooly, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough
Killarney man Ger O’Doherty is thanking his lucky stars that he is alive following a freak workplace accident which left him seriously injured.
The well-known painter and decorator from Ardshanavooley and living in Ballyhar has spent the past two weeks in hospital after he fell from a ladder while painting a gable wall in the centre of Killarney town.
Such are his injuries following the accident on July 26 that he has no idea when he will be able to return to work.
He has had two surgeries on his arm to the following the significant damaged caused when he fell and landed on spikes which tore through the skin and damaged the tendons and muscles.
It is not yet known if there will be long-term damage but at best he will need extensive physio.
“I am lucky to be alive. I fell off a ladder and came down on the gate and landed on the spikes, “ recalls Ger.
“You often hear the saying your life flashes before you but it did I saw my life flash before me.
“If it wasn’t for the gate I’d be finished some-one was looking down on me.
Ger (45) has worked as a painter for 27 years and has never had an accident before.
“It just happened in a split second my life changed I thought my life was over.”
“You never think it is going to happen to you,” he said.
Ger has returned to live with his family in Killarney town as he recovers from the ordeal and comes to terms with being unable to work. He is hopeful he will be able to return but he has no idea when.
The community were shocked to learn of the accident which saw Ger rushed to hospital by air ambulance and are rowing behind him to help with his recovery.
A close friend Jarlath Flynn who worked with him in Revelles nightcub for many years set up a GoFundMe to help Ger on his long road to recovery.
Ger says he is “never expected that”
“It is lovely thing to do but I didn’t expect it. One person donated €350 that is huge money for some-one to take out of their wages. I was gobsmacked.”
He said the funds are a huge help as he goes through his recovery and comes to terms with his ordeal. He is still in the lengthy process of working with his insurance company and the Government to get supports while he is recovering but in the interim the kindness of strangers has bolstered his spirits.
“I am home from hospital now so it is really hitting me. I have no income and bills flying out the door. I hope to be able to get back to work but when is the question,” he said.
The GoFundMe can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/qvdjvs-please-support?bcrFallback=bcrFallback
