Golf keeps Parkinson’s man well up to par

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness and causes difficulty with walking, balance and coordination – but it has done little to thwart the golfing prowess of Gerry Loughnane since he was diagnosed with the condition over a decade ago at the age of 52.

In fact, since then his golf handicap has dropped by four shots and he even managed two hole-in-ones, in his local golf club in Cregmore and another in Ballinasloe.

The one bit of advice his GP gave him after learning he had early onset Parkinson’s he has certainly taken to heart: exercise, exercise, exercise.

He aims to get in 18 holes of golf once a week and a six or nine hole round once or twice a week.

He does regular exercise classes with the Galway branch of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, which have been online during the pandemic but are expected to return to venues throughout the county once restrictions lift.

“The thing to do is to try and keep active,” stresses the retired accountant from Cappataggle.

“I need to do the stretching exercises in the morning when I feel tight. It helps to stretch the legs and arms and do the breathing exercises. Which is why golf is so good.”

Gerry is one of nine Irish people who have signed up to do the Four Nations Golf Tournament in the Belfry, the golf course in Birmingham which has hosted the Ryder Cup and the British Masters.

Taking place from October 11-13, it is open to people living with Parkinson’s on this island, England, Wales and Scotland.

Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download our digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie