Vision impaired Fires girl goes driving

A vision impaired Fires girl got the chance of a lifetime recently when she drove a specially adapted car for the first time.

Grace O’Sullivan, 13., who has Stargardts, took part in a special Vision Sports Ireland event at Mondello Park last week.

Run in partnership with Motorsport Ireland, the day provided an experience of a lifetime for 80 blind and vision impaired participants.

During the morning session, participants got behind the wheel of hybrid and electric dual control Opel Corsa cars, offering a unique driving experience. For many of them, including Grace, it was their first time ever getting behind the wheel of a car.

“She had a brilliant time and loved every minute of it,” said her mother Mary. “Grace is already asking if she can go again next year.”

In the afternoon they took to Mondello’s famous track where they experienced passenger rides in a host of different rally cars driven by some of Ireland’s top drivers.

Grace teamed up with Mayo-based rally driver Vanessa McFadden, sister of the event organiser, Sara, for her first taste of rally driving.

She also met her sporting hero, multiple Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth who also has Stargardts.

“Grace has followed Jason since she was seven years old, not alone is a great runner but he is an inspiration, he is married with two children and just shows that you can have a near enough normal life,” added Mary.

The O’Sullivan Family is organising a charity cycle on September 9. Pedal for Grace will raise funds for the National Council for the Blind and will be based in the Firies Community Centre.