Joseph Tighe

While away in Greece, did some exploring and ended up doing a hike to what they call the Dragon houses of Styra, 600 meters above sea level. But got to test what I can still do with this dam ACLless knee.

It was nice to know I still can do this even with the damage to my knee. Or maybe it was the fuel of a stunning Gyros!!
Gives me a motivation boost as it has been hitting me hard lately, as since November not being able to do a sport I love or even exercise properly. It has taken its toll and makes you realise a lot.

But this hike allowed me to actually test the leg and get some amazing views!

Watch this space as soon as that Op is done there are plans in place!

A busy couple of weeks!

First a great stag-do in Cork, followed by a week all inclusive in Greece!

Very much a great couple of weeks, shame had to come back to work. But at least the sun continues.

24 weeks since the dreaded ACL and meniscus tear! Time for abit of R&R while sitting in 24 degree Greek heat and sipping on a Tequilla Sunrise.

This break has been good as the leg has been a pain the back side and starting to get to me now. It’s the fact of going from training multiple times a week and playing rugby every week. To nothing, no real training, no real focus or motivation.

After my brothers wedding I’ll be knocking on the doors of the surgery and the process can start again!

Watch this space for my return!!!

It’s a Saturday so that would mean rugby! But instead on a plane to Cork for the big brothers stag!! Can’t wait to celebrate the big bro!

This picture is from a tour to Belgium back in 2013, on a warm day playing on Astro turf, loosing all skin off my knees. A great weekend made better with one of the first games me and my brother played together.

Looking back what I wouldn’t give to have more games along side my brother. Run out on the pitch together. Some great stories of when we did play, ruining the back lines Saturdays with double tackles and playing them up.

We both got took out of rugby by injury, me my ACL. For him breaking his wrist too many times. It happens, but it’s how you push forward and focus on what’s to come. We had both played for years and to have it taken away is strange.

I know I can say I have found it hard to go back to a sport I’ve spent 16 years dedicating my life and putting my body on the line for. You feel in a sense an identity has been stripped away. But if the big brother can do it, so can I!

4 months today had the idea to see how far a knee could spin. The answer not very as things snap.

It is crazy to think a catch off a kick off would end with me in A&E with a knee that was the size of an elephants and bending in every direction.

The result ACL complete tear, tear of the lateral meniscus border and minor damage to the knee.

For those of you who have competed in sport for a while and had big injuries will understand. That an injury like this is like an itch you cannot scratch, it’s hard to go back to where it happened and wrap your head around not playing for a very long time or ever again.

So we press on with pre-hab and physio. Then we have surgery. It is all part the process and dedicating to the path that’s needed.