Tom Leahy has released his autobiography Here For A Reason, a powerful account of a life shaped by sport, art, resilience and the ongoing fight for disability rights in Ireland.
Co-written with Munster Technology University (MTU) lecturer Emmett Coffey, the book traces Leahy’s journey from Ballyhooly, Co Cork, to the international stage across eight consecutive Paralympic Games, and reflects on the personal drive, family support and determination that shaped his career.
Born in 1957 with severe cerebral palsy, doctors did not believe Tom would survive infancy. Instead, he went on to represent Ireland across more than three decades, competing in both boccia (BC2) and throwing events (F32).
He won eight Paralympic medals — including three gold medals — and became Ireland’s first boccia medallist. His career stretched from 1984 all the way to London 2012, when he retired after his eighth Paralympics.
“Success is never a solo journey”
Speaking about the publication, Olympic silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan described Tom as an inspirational figure in Irish sport, noting how he overcame a time when disability rights were barely recognised, to become an athlete, artist and now author.
“Tom’s story is a reminder that success is never a solo journey. It is built on courage, family and the belief that we all have a purpose. It is an honest and uplifting story that shows what sport is truly about – resilience and never losing sight of why you started.”
Away from the field of play, Tom has built a respected career as a painter. His work has appeared in children’s books and his exhibitions have been shown around Ireland. Creativity, he says, gave him “another way to move, even when my body had limits”.
In Here For A Reason, Leahy discusses the discrimination and everyday barriers that disabled people still face including inaccessible buildings, lack of privacy in public facilities and the humiliation caused when basic rights are overlooked.
“I seek nothing but the same rights to privacy in public buildings that any able-bodied person takes for granted,” he said. “When those rights are ignored, I suffer a very special kind of humiliation that people like me are all too used to. I will never stop pointing out the times when my basic human rights are not respected.”
Reflecting at the launch, Leahy said he remains focused not on what has already been achieved, but on what still lies ahead:
“There’s a heart that keeps beating and there’s my soul that gives me the passion and belief to plough on. There is more to come.”
Here For A Reason was launched on December 5th and can be purchased in local book stores.
