Pat Keogh
Pat Keogh
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

Personal History

I was born 11th July 1959 Dublin Ireland I am one of four. I grew up in Santry. I enjoyed music school and sport.

Age 15 I joined the (FCA) Reserve Defence forces as a Trooper 11th Cavalry Squadron McKee Barracks, transferring to the (PDF) Permanent Defence Forces 20th October 1975. On completion of basic training I was assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Squadron Griffith Barracks (Presidential Escort) where I finished secondary education.

1986. After 11 years wIth the PDF, I held the rank of Sergeant (Mess caterer)

I successfully applied and took up a position with the Police/Fire and Ambulance Services, (A.P.F.S.) at Dublin Airport, 20th October that year.

I married Grace McBrearty on Saturday 11th August 1984, Investing monies I had received in compensation from a Road Traffic Accident 10th October 1980, we bought 130 Santry Close Santry Dublin D09 HW29 in 1983 and lived there together until, Thursday 3rd July 1986 when Grace passed away during a cardiac surgery.

5 years later In Florida, America. 24th October 1991. I remarried Aileen Barry

We have two children Seán (23rd May 1991) and Sibéal (25th November 1995)

I worked in the Airport Police stations Public office and Air access administration.

I was an active member of the A.P.F.S. Sports and Social committee and a founding member of the A.P.F.S Brass and Reed Band. I lost my ability to play my instrument, the Cornet similar to the trumpet, when on the 8th January 2003 at 10:00 am approx age 43, I suffered the effects of a Brain stem Stroke,(lateral medullary syndrome). My body and my mind in a disordered state having been shuck to the core, Initially I was hospitalized in Beaumont for a number of weeks and then transferred to the National Rehab Center in Dun Laoghaire and had to take ill health early retirement.

I experienced loss of multiple senses, communications defects:

Included “Aphasia” Speechlessness and or prolonged stammer, I still find it difficult to verbalise the cayos I found myself in.

Loss of Sight — and or profound double vision,

Loss of Mobility –and balance at the time significantly impaired,

Loss of Sensation numbness to Hot Cold and Pain on my right side, was either absent or amplified, this led to multiple and continuing dental problems, misdiagnosis of a variety of conditions over the years since that time, having aspirated in the early stages of the stroke I suffered a pneumonia to my right lung, a broken Ankle Foot and Arm, ruptured ligaments and tendons to my right knee,and on the left side of my body a general weakness to this day persists. I’ve had several surgeries on my Back, Right Leg Ankle and Foot my next surgical review is this coming October.

Initial recovery from the stroke as an inpatient in Dun Laoghaire involved extensive physio and other forms of Speech Sight and Art therapies in the first year I re-learned how to walk, talk, and tie my shoes and hold a spoon to feed myself. Year two continuing my therapies and as part of my discharge I took part in a day release educational program where I learnt about computers and the assistive technologies available for persons with acquired brain injury as I had by that time been diagnosed with dyslexia.

The long term effects of such a Stroke remain an area of doubt. Such are the complexities of this type of injury. Speaking for myself some 16 years after the initial impact there is no day this stroke does not affect my life. It has been the most enlightening out of faze body experience one could possibly imagine, coming to terms with all this type of Stroke has to offer has been both physically and mentally exhausting, However despite these day by day annoyances, I believe I cope well.

2005 I Returned to full time education as a mature student ,age 45 attending the National College of Art and Design (N.C.A.D.) …Graduating 2010 with a Bd Hons in Industrial Design (I.D.)

I’m proud to be Irish and of my Art. I intend to continue being proud of it. I’ll keep working at being better. My apologies to those of you who are perceivably involved in this small mess.

Pat Keogh

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Pat Keogh

I point to it as a fact I am unique I am A5A0A9 .ie