Wexford man who was on the brink of death completes half-ironman one year later

A Wexford man, who was on the brink of death just one year ago, completed a half-ironman over the weekend…

Patrick ‘Podge’ Fortune, who was always active, was involved in his local GAA club as both a player with the Men’s team and in a managerial capacity with the local Ladies teams. His work involved dairy farming – a place you could always find him because it was a place that he loved. When not out in the open, like most people, he enjoyed socialising with family and friends. Being an excellent pool player too and being popular around his community, the young Wexford man had everything going for him. Podge’s life was filled with laughs and adventure. Testament to his love for fitness and his willingness to challenge himself, at aged 24 in 2019, he crossed the Ironman finish line after six months of tough training.

However, the world came tumbling down for the young Wexford man last year. On March 19th, aged 29, Podge was involved in an almost fatal road traffic accident as a pedestrian when he was ran over by a car. His local village of The Rock, and the whole of Gorey town, were in disbelief with the news.

The 29-year old’s life was turned upside down. His injuries were near fatal and was placed into an induced coma and on life support

He fractured his skull, broke his neck, spine, 22 ribs, pelvis, shoulder blades and collar bones. Both of his lungs were punctured and his heart was damaged. Doctors didn’t think that he would survive and they believed that the damage to his spinal chord would mean that he would become paralysed.

But Paddy had different plans.

Over the next eight days, he had major surgeries. After 17 days, he was finally taken off life support and he could breathe again on his own. He moved his legs for the first time. He spent the next few weeks getting stronger, learning to eat, and learning to drink. Another aim for Paddy at the time was to regain movement in his hands.

After two months, he was allowed home for a few hours, surprising his family and friends. With utter resilience, he spent the next few weeks learning to walk again. After 67 days, he was allowed to go home for good. When he was released, his family and friends described Podge as a “pure miracle” and had “no clue how he survived.”

Right now, he has no use in his left arm – but he always finds a way. Back socialising, working on the farm, in the gym, and doing the things he loves, it’s a remarkable story of resilience.

Last month, the Gorey man was named the 2025 Gorey District Club Person of the Year.

Podge at the Gorey District Awards Ceremony

Recognition and awards for an incredible achievement were nice, but in the meantime, Fortune already had another goal in his mind. Always being active, and loving the gym, Podge decided that he was going to do a “half-ironman” around his locality.

Over the weekend, on Sunday 23rd March, almost exactly one year on from the date of his accident, Podge completed his goal and he completed the half-ironman. Arriving back at his local – The Bunker Bar in Gorey – huge crowds came out to cheer on the popular Wexford man on the final section of his incredible and fascinating journey.

His mental strength and motivation is nothing short of inspiring. If ever you were short of motivation, all you would have to do is to read this story and look at the videos below.