2021 will hopefully see sport competitions back on the calendar and the accompanying accolades rolling back in for twenty eight year old Swords native Cian Arthurs.
Cian’s life-long passion for sport has not been hindered by the lawnmower accident that saw him lose the use of his right arm at the age of two. He has tried his hand at badminton, soccer, Gaelic football and most notably golf with accolades in all. Always an active child Cian took up both soccer and Gaelic football at a young age. Although willing to play any position on the pitch Cian’s ability to adapt saw him excel in the most unlikely of positions- goalkeeper. “Playing both sports so young meant I never saw myself as being any different from the others on the pitch. I never thought about not being able to stop the ball because of my arm but rather what I could stop it with- leg, body, arm or even my face. I was willing to put everything on the line for my team and would like to think I still do”. Soccer has been reduced to supporting his favourite team and the odd 5 a side game. Cian is still an active Gaelic player currently playing for Ballyboughal GFC whose most recent success includes a 2019 Dublin Senior Intermediate Championship Medal. Although he has had success through the years in soccer and Gaelic, Cian’s talent clearly lies on the golf course.
Influenced by his older brother’s love and success for the sport Cian’s interest in golf started during his formative years. Interest alone was not enough to see this young man succeed in the way that he has, natural talent and skill has played a major role. Cian’s talent was easy to spot from a young age with Ryder cup legend and six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo recognising this when he encountered Cian in Lough Lomond in 1998. Cian, 6 at the time, had accompanied his parents to watch his older brother play in the qualification for the Junior Faldo series in Loch Lomond. While striking some balls Cian was spotted by Faldo. Faldo invited Cian, and his family, to his golf academy in Florida for some coaching which solidified Cian’s love for the sport.
Cian has an impressive list of golfing achievements since joining his supportive home club of Roganstown GC at age 12. Cian, whose current handicap index is 3.5, has represented his club in various interclub competitions as well as on the disabled golf circuit. Cian’s list of achievements to date include-
• Acting president of the Society of One-armed Golfers
• Current holder of the One-armed World Championship title since June 2019.
• Has been one of the pivotal players in Europe’s continued success against America in the Fightmaster Cup (The equivalent of the Ryder Cup for One Armed Golfers) in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
• Cian first represented Ireland in the World One-Armed Golf Championships in 2009. He has represented Ireland every year since, consistently making the quarter final or higher each year.
• Cian is working towards becoming a Professional golf coach starting training in September 2021 with the hopes of specialising in coaching children with disabilities. “I want young kids to learn from me, to own their differences and disabilities and see that they do not have to be limited by them.”
One can imagine that living with one functioning arm is physically challenging day to day but Cian has had to overcome associated social and mental challenges. “When I was younger, and less mature, I felt like many social settings highlighted my physical difference. Like any young person I wanted to fit in and I went about it not always in the best of ways. But sport for me has always been a space where differences, like disabilities, take a backseat to skill and talent. Golf has given me a focus even in the darkest of times. With every challenge I have faced my happy place has been on the course- it has kept me grounded. Golf gives me the space to be equal to my peers, when I am on the course I don’t feel like I have a disability I just have an ability to play, I am on par with every other player to pick up a club.”
Here at NDA we are delighted to have Cian on board and become part of our team, and we cannot wait to see his progression into the professional ranks. Not only does he align with our “giving people the confidence to #getupandmove” but he wants to inspire the younger generation to get up and make that first step, whether it be with a disability or not.
