The Great AK steps aside after health problems take their toll
Alan Kelly (left) with James Sherry, who is taking over the physiotherapy practice

The Great AK steps aside after health problems take their toll

DEATH has come knocking on Alan Kelly’s door on multiple occasions, but he always managed to overcome it and make his way back to work at his renowned physiotherapy clinic in Old Bawn.

The Terenure resident is known as The Great AK for the magic he has worked with his hands as a physiotherapist for some of Ireland’s biggest sports teams and stars, including three-time major winner, golfer Pádraig Harrington, over the years.

“I always had an interest in helping people,” Alan says, when reflecting on opening the Old Bawn clinic in 1988 and the success he’s had in the years since.

However, the Tallaght native has experienced plenty of woes with his own health in recent years, having been diagnosed with three different cancers and given the Last Rites in April 2018.

Somehow and someway, AK kept fighting and each cancer went into remission.

Although a stroke earlier this year has put a spanner in the works.

“I’ve had three cancers and a stroke, I’m lucky to be alive,” Alan tells The Echo.

“I was out running in Bushy Park and a few days after I had the worst stroke ever.

“It was so debilitating. I was vomiting, couldn’t see or speak, I could do nothing.

“I live on my own here and it was the middle of the night, and I was trying to swipe my phone for help.

“I was so lucky that I just hit my friend’s number, Deryn Mackay, and she answered, came to my rescue really and called an ambulance. I couldn’t thank her enough, she saved my life.”

And so, Alan’s road to recovery started once again. With three cancers in remission, the Old Bawn native had to pick up the pieces of his health once again as a consequence of the stroke.

Alan learned how to walk again and his vision is getting back to normal. In six months, he will be cleared to drive once again.

“I fought like a tiger in the hospital. I’ve three types of cancer in remission and then this stroke totally blindsided me, but I wasn’t going to give up,” AK recalls.

“The medicine today is thankfully so much better. I was physically strong my whole life, but it was my mental strength and focus that has helped me in my recovery again.”

While his sheer mental fortitude and willingness to get better has never been stronger, Alan has been forced to officially retire as his physical health is not in a great place.

“I was cut short. I wanted to keep going for another while, but life sometimes pulls the rug out from under you,” he says.

“When you’re at your most comfort-able, you’re at your most vulnerable.

“I’ve been very unwell for a long number of years, now is the right time to step aside.

“It’s actually very sad for me. I’ve had loads of people asking when I’m coming back, and I have to keep saying that I won’t be.

“It is the end of an era, but I know it’s in safe hands going forward now.

“Former Fermanagh footballer James Sherry and Somerton Physiotherapy is taking over the practice, and I’d like to wish him every success – he’s great at what he does.”

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