1996/99
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Esmond triumphs against the odds
29 October 1997
Tom Kelly
A young Mayoman has overcome adversity to secure a place on the Irish international blind judo team.
Nineteen-years-old Esmond Walshe, who lost his sight at the age of four after contracting a rear eye disease, is keen to represent his county in the Paralympics in Sydney in three years time.
A son of Padraig and Margaret Walshe, Ballyheane, Castlebar, he performed with distinction at the European championships in Italy in April and is currently preparing for next year's World championships in Madrid.
Esmond's remarkable story is one of personal triumph against the odds. He lost his sight after being diagnosed as suffering from retina glaucoma shortly after starting his primary school education at Ballyheane N.S.
He continued his education at St. Joseph's, Rosminey, Drumcondra, Dublin, a centre which caters for the special needs of the blind.
Last year he started a third level course in computer appliances at Dublin City University. He explained how he studied. "I work with a computer with has a voice synthesiser. The lecturers give me their notes on computer disc which is helpful in reviewing their presentations."
It was during his time at Rosminey that be took up the sport of judo under the guidance of coach Norman Caprini. He attained the status of blue belt within a relatively short time and caught the attention of the international team selectors.
"When I am preparing for a major event, I train about three or four times every week.
"I have been a sports enthusiast throughout my life, and judo proved to be an ideal outlet for me. It is a suitable sport for a blind person."
Esmond admitting to finding to difficult adjusting to life as a blind personal when he first lost his sight at a four year old, but he now able to live life to the full.
Away from his studies and judo exploits, he enjoys following Liverpool F.C. and entertains his friends by playing the fiddle. He has three brothers, Kenneth, Derek and Brian, and one sister, Sandra.
