It was a routine workday, and Tony was performing a task he had done countless times before. Suddenly, there was a loud blast. Before he could react, he was thrown across the yard, crashing into a parked car. The forklift tyre had exploded. 

A co-worker rushed to find Tony unconscious on the ground and called for help. He was rushed to Wexford Hospital with severe injuries, including a broken nose and stomach trauma. But at first, there were no signs of a brain injury. 

After being discharged, Tony hoped to return to normal life, but things were not the same. 

He began experiencing severe headaches and memory loss. Simple things slipped from his mind, like driving home after picking up his daughter from work. It became especially troubling during big moments, like his brother’s wedding, when he realised he couldn’t remember parts of the day at all. 

Then, over a month later, Tony woke up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain. 

His wife immediately called for help. He was rushed to Beaumont Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a brain haemorrhage as a result of the accident. 

Tony doesn’t remember being in Beaumont, but his family does. They remember the fear, uncertainty, and desperate hope that he would pull through. 

After emergency surgery, Tony spent two weeks in Beaumont before being transferred to Wexford Hospital and later home. A year later, he underwent eight weeks of rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). 

When he was discharged, the hardest part of his journey began—adjusting to life after a brain injury. 

Tony’s memory loss persisted, and he struggled to recognise familiar faces in his community. As he walked down the street, people would greet him warmly, but their faces were strange to him. 

He also had to use a wheelchair for over a year before transitioning to a walking aid. He developed epilepsy, making everyday life unpredictable. The combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges left him feeling isolated. 

Tony also experienced anger and frustration in ways he never had before. Losing his independence, struggling with memory, and feeling like life had changed forever took a serious emotional toll. 

Everything changed when Tony found the Wexford Clubhouse, part of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s rehabilitation services. 

For the first time since his accident, Tony felt seen and heard. Being surrounded by others with brain injuries gave him a sense of belonging. 

The Clubhouse became a second home for Tony. It provided peer support, group rehabilitation, and structured activities, helping him rebuild confidence and reconnect with his community. 

He discovered woodcarving, art, and gardening, giving him purpose and independence again. 

The Clubhouse is not just about rehabilitation—it’s about belonging. It’s a place where survivors can connect, build friendships, and feel valued. 

At Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, we ensure that survivors have a voice in their recovery, feel understood, and are treated with dignity and respect. 

With the expert guidance of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s dedicated staff, Tony has set and achieved goals that have helped him rebuild his independence. 

While Tony found a sense of belonging and support at the Clubhouse, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland provides a wide range of services to help survivors adjust to life after a brain injury. From home and community rehabilitation to specialist residential services, our tailored support helps survivors regain confidence, rebuild essential skills, and work towards greater independence. These services are designed to meet the unique needs of each survivor, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time to maximise their recovery. 

It has been 21 years since Tony’s accident, and he has rebuilt a life filled with purpose, connection, and hope. But many more survivors are still don’t have access to the support they need.

That’s why your support is needed.