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| Fighting His Toughest Fight
Promising Sports Star Recuperating After Accident
By Mark Stokes
Rory Elliffe was a man on a mission on the afternoon of Monday, September 1, last (Labor Day). The 18 year-old North Quincy High School student, with just a couple of days to spare before the chaos of the new school term, was headed to the Wrentham Malls with school pal, Darren Jones, the pair looking to pick up supplies for their senior year.
The conversation on the drive down Route 495 drifted from the previous day’s Gaelic finals in Canton to Tom Brady’s upcoming season opener for the Patriots, to the imminent school soccer and basketball seasons.
But in the blink of an eye this promising athlete had his life changed drastically as the vehicle blew a tire and flipped over three times on the exit ramp. Rory was thrown from the car and landed thirty feet away, coming to ‘rest’ as he did on a boulder (fortunately for Darren his remaining inside the car sheltered him from serious harm, although he remains in physical therapy at this time).
After the trauma of the day had waned doctors at the Spaulding Hospital in Boston determined that Rory was paralyzed from the waist down. The good news for Rory (the son of Westmeath native Johnny Elliffe who resides in Quincy) is that the spinal ‘break’ is not complete and that there is hope for his future.
How much ‘hope’ is sometimes down to the individual and in Rory Elliffe, doctors on site have met one of the most determined individuals they have ever come across. Dr. Lucas (of Rhode Island) is recognized as one of the best surgeons in this field – he is very confident of Rory’s current situation and believes that his recovery after surgery is the best he has seen at his age.
Rory was the youngest ever teenager to play in a GAA adult final in Canton. He has won a Junior A Championship medal and has played on the USA National Gaelic football team.
As plans were put in place this week for a major fundraiser, tributes came raining in for Rory Elliffe.
Kendall Wanderers Soccer club - Manager; Kevin Gorham:
"We were immediately impressed with Rory and considered him a great young prospect for the Kendall club. We want Rory and the Elliffe family to know that they are in our thoughts and we will continue support Rory in every way possible.”
Irish Sports Youth League, Canton: Ollie Garry/Martin Coyne: Rory Elliffe is a very witty and skilled young athlete, he brings serious determination to every challenge on the field and we expect he will apply the same mentality to challenges off the field. Rory has a tough road ahead but we are confident that he will meet this challenge with grit and determination. We will be there for him at every turn.”
Wolfetones Gaelic Football Club, South Boston, Coach, Edmund Carr:
“Rory Elliffe is a serious athlete, very skilled and versatile. He is the youngest ever player to feature in a Boston final at the adult level at just 16 years of age. He scored a few points that day and played very well. He is a stubborn athlete who rises to every challenge. The Wolfetones are very proud of this young man. We consider him one of our own and we will rally for Rory in every way possible.”
Coach Kevin Orcutt of Quincy High School.
“First of all, my thoughts, heart, and prayers go out to Rory and his family. Since learning of this horrific accident, my mind goes back to my first time meeting Rory at the National Guard Armory in Quincy. Rory’s skills and knowledge of the game (of soccer) impressed me but his intensity and love of the game is what sold me on this young thirteen year old boy. I have watched and worked with Rory through the good and the bad over the past years. Rory now has the biggest challenge of his life in front of him.
“Rory’s toughness will now be needed to overcome. The lessons he has learned on the pitch, playing at such a high level of Gaelic Football, in the classroom, and with his family will be integral as he fights. I firmly believe Rory to have all the heart to fight this with everything he has.
Rory Elliffe has his whole life in front of him and I believe in this young man. Rory, we love you and you have our unwavering support in the fight of your life. Fight like you always have. Fight.”
The Irish community in Boston has been moved by Rory Elliffe. He now needs our help, and such is the interest in his situation that Wednesday October 15 (7:30pm) at North Quincy High School, is turning into an event in which anyone who is anyone in the community will be seen.
Please send any monetary donations to: Rally for Rory Fund, 169 Randolph Street, South Weymouth, MA, 02190
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