I have to say even the thought of writing this is emotionally difficult but here it goes !
When lockdown began in March 2020, the world as we knew it shifted overnight with the arrival of COVID. For Jackie, our three kids — Daisy, Ayla, and Luke — and me, it came at a moment when we were moving house after what seemed like an eternity.
I had always been active, playing different sports over the years, and I especially loved running along the beach at sunrise, and going for the odd swim afterwards before hopping on the Dart to work. So, when everything shut down in Portmarnock, I made a promise to myself: I’d use the time to train harder than ever and become fitter than I’d ever been. It goes without saying that we all are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area, and lockdown was not too bad for us at the start.
But beneath my determination, something else was going on in my body that was in the back of my mind. I began experiencing abdominal pains. I ignored them at first, but they intensified and I finally went to my GP. That promptly led to a colonoscopy in Beaumont Hospital — and the discovery of a lump.
On June 17th, 2020, my wife and I sat together in Beaumont, tears gathering in our eyes behind our COVID masks, as I was advised I had colorectal cancer. Jackie had already completed detailed research within the medical community and had questions at the ready, but before she could ask them, I interrupted. I told the surgeon I didn’t want to know what staging or grading it was. Jackie subsequently found out and subsequent medical reports were directed to her. All I wanted and asked for was the strongest treatment plan possible and was encouraged that it was treatable.
I informed my folks and siblings, and I recall speaking to my brother Paul on the phone who was living in London In that moment, the reality of what was happening to me, hit me like a brick. I couldn’t continue the call. I didn’t want to learn too much at all about the disease, wanted to take each day as it comes and live life to the fullest. We decided not to tell our three kids as they were already adjusting to so much: a new home in Malahide, new schools, new clubs, homeschooling, and builders working around the chaos of our house in lockdown, all while both parents were working full time. However, I always made sure to watch my kids’ football/ hurling training outside on the chilly Autumn and winter evenings as I was uncertain what the future would hold.
All I wanted, was to stay positive for my family. I refused to let this illness break us and luckily my mind was in a positive place, for most of the time and I was able to compartmentalise my life.
The brilliant multidisciplinary team at Beaumont laid out my treatment: radiotherapy and chemotherapy through the summer of 2020, surgery that September, five more months of chemotherapy through the winter, and another final surgery in April 2021. I started my treatment the week of our house move. The side effects were tough, such as my skin and nails fell from my hands and feet, and I could barely hold onto anything and had new plasters/ bandages on me from time-to-time.
Hospital stays during lockdown were surreal — like living inside a science fiction film. Staff covered head to toe in protective gear, strict ward restrictions, no leaving our rooms and obviously no visitors at all. It must have been so mentally exhausting for all of the brilliant Beaumont staff and the doctors, nurses, and hospital teams were extraordinary. Their compassion and good natured fun kept me grounded and entertained.
Post-surgery was tough also. If the kids or I got a cold/got sick, I was considered high risk. which meant either they or I had to move out for a while! I was moving so slow but everyday I forced myself to get up and out, even if it meant just walking around the garden. Slowly, step by step, I built my strength back. Some days I’d push myself to walk all the way to the Castle. During my chemo three-day breaks, I’d get on my bike and cycle around Portmarnock and Malahide. I overdid it sometimes, but I needed to keep fighting as best as possible.
Months later, after endless tests, I heard the words I had been waiting for: cancer free.
I was — and still am — overwhelmed with gratitude to my family & friends. I know I wouldn’t have made it through without the love and support of Jackie as she held everything together while working full-time, managing the banks and builders during the house move, and caring for me and the kids every single day and during the hardest of times. Jackie’s folks stepped in to homeschool the kids each day, help with school runs, activities, and my parents regularly provided many a tasty home-cooked meals & lifts, which was very appreciated. Friends and neighbours dropped off food and goodies and sent beautiful messages of positivity and love. And even in the middle of the cold, rainy lockdown nights, my closest friends joined me every week for slow walks around the quiet streets of Malahide, filling the night air with laughter. All of those consistent acts of kindness and positivity carried me through, and I will never forget them as they were really special moments.
One of the first things I did after my final surgery was pick up a racket again and join Portmarnock Tennis Club. From the outset, it felt like such a welcoming, social place — a great community of people. A special shoutout has to go to Tim O’Callaghan, who encouraged me to join and played alongside me during those early days of recovery, and to Dave O’Mara for bringing me into his Saturday afternoon crew. Whether I win or lose doesn’t matter at all— I always leave the court with a smile on my face, thanks to the laughter and good fun. Every day since I began my road to recovery, I’ve made sure to exercise every day, and I’ve participated in a few charity running events. Also, over the last few years, I have taken up coaching my daughters’ GAA and basketball teams and my son’s football team, which is good fun most of the time!
Every single day, I remind myself how lucky I am to have made it through such a surreal and challenging chapter in my life. It’s something I will never, ever forget.
And if anyone out there ever needs someone to talk to about facing something similar, I’d be more than happy to listen, go for a coffee or walk etc. I love people, I love life, and I believe in showing compassion, support, positivity and love — to yourself, to your family and friends . Life is way too short and as I always say, smile and the world will smile with you, it’s an act of kindness in itself’.
"I love people, I love life, and I believe in showing compassion, support, positivity and love — to yourself, to your family and friends."
Dave, thank you for sharing your story with us. The resilience and positivity you’ve carried through such a difficult journey are inspiring, and your spirit on court is undoubtedly a highlight for those who have the privilege to play alongside you.
We also recognise how emotional it must have been to put this into words, and we’re especially grateful you chose to share it. Your voice adds real meaning for our community and beyond.
Portmarnock Tennis Club Committee
