AT LONG LAST: Yesterday (Thursday) Ronan Foley finally had his spinal operation after waiting almost three years.

"He'll have a lovely Christmas now"

By Michelle Crean

It took almost three years - but yesterday (Thursday) was a day the family of Ronan Foley will never forget - as the 15-year-old finally had his life-changing spinal operation.

Described as "the best Christmas present" they "could have ever asked for", Ronan's father Tony told the Killarney Advertiser that "it's a major relief" to now be on the other side and that it'll mean huge changes to Ronan's quality of life going forward.

After waiting two years, eight months and 25 days in constant pain with his spine progressively getting worse until eventually it reached a 90 degree curve - it was a long day for Ronan and his family as the operation began at 9am and lasted until the early evening.

Tony and his wife Caroline Foley had fought hard publicly for the last year to help get a surgery date for their son after it was cancelled on more than one occasion.

"It will be his first pain free Christmas in years," Tony said.
"He's waiting nearly three years. We're delighted and it's a major relief, he was a long-time waiting."

A NEW START

The former St Oliver’s National School pupil can look forward to a new start back in school in 2021 and spending quality time with his friends once he has healed.

"We're hoping he'll be home by next weekend but hopefully maybe sooner. The operation now means he will be able to sit up for as long as he wants without being in pain. He can go back to St Francis Special School. He had no quality of life at school or with his friends, for example he couldn't go to the cinema as he was in too much pain. He'd tire easily. He was always energetic and this was wearing him down. He'll have a lovely Christmas now as he'll be well on the road to recovery."