In September 1960 the 1st Paralympic Games took place in Rome and Ireland entered a team into this event. It was at this event that the seed was planted with our founder members to form an organization that would work to achieve greater independence, freedom and choice for people living with a disability.

Just two months after their return from Rome on the 10th November 1960, several of the team members and some other interested wheelchair users came together in the Pillar Room of the Mater Hospital, Dublin and formed the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Our eight founder members are;
Fr Leo Close, Chairperson, Jack Kerrigan, Secretary, Oliver Murphy,
Treasurer, Joe Davis, Kay Hayes, Joe Domican, Joe Craven, Jimmy Levins.