On the 8th of October 2011 Dessie sustained a spinal injury playing in a hurling county semi-final with Charleville. He spent five weeks in the intensive spinal ward in the Mater Hospital in Dublin where doctors informed him that his injury was incomplete (Central spinal cord syndrome) and that the bleed and severe bruising may stop him from moving or feeling from the shoulders down again. Dessie spent 10 months in the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

Dessie continues to remain focused and determined on his rehabilitation. Due to ongoing intensive therapies and treatments he is now walking with the aid of crutches and has limited use of his hands.

For more information about upcoming fundraising events and to make a donation please visit www.dessiefitzgerald.com.

The RTE camera were in town recently to record a piece about the upcoming fundraising events that are taking place for the Dessie Fitzgerald Injury Fund.