In a recent episode of Disability Matters, Patrick O’Donnell spoke with Rob O’Byrne —fitness coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusive physical education. Rob’s journey, marked by resilience and innovation, began with a life-changing accident at 17 and has since evolved into a mission to redefine accessibility in sport and wellbeing.
At 17, while on holiday, Rob dived into an unfamiliar swimming pool and sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed. “It was an infinity pool. I didn’t know the depth. I broke my neck on impact,” he recalled. “I was drowning until a few strangers from Dublin and Newcastle pulled me out.” The traumatic event ended his participation in GAA as a player—but not his connection to sport.
Rob had grown up in a deeply rooted GAA family in Dublin 12. “My dad ran a club, and I was playing since I can remember,” he said. “When I was about 20, three years after my accident, I went straight back into helping run the club, joined the committee, and started managing an under-14s team.” His club, St James’ Gaels, embraced his return and, years later, the team he mentored won a Féile competition.
“I love getting out and walking with kids. Still get the joy out of it, even though I can’t kick the ball myself. I can demonstrate using my words how to play the game,” said Rob.
When he couldn’t find a personal trainer who really understood disability, he decided to become one himself. After studying business and personal training, he launched his own accessible gym: What Your Excuse Fitness, a name that reflects his no-excuses mindset. Based in a converted studio at his home, Rob works one-on-one with people with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, strokes, and other physical disabilities, adapting equipment and routines to fit each person’s needs.
“I’m not rewriting the book,” he said. “I’m just thinking outside the box—using dumbbells, cables, hand bikes, and cardio equipment that actually works for the people I train.” For Rob, accessibility isn’t just about the tools — it’s about listening, asking the right questions, and giving people the confidence to take ownership of their fitness journeys.
In April 2025, Rob began working with The Dublin City Council Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, running inclusive PE classes for students with autism in local schools. “Some of these kids had never even entered the sports hall before,” Rob noted. “Now they’re jumping off benches, chasing bubbles, and leaving with huge smiles.” His unstructured, play-based approach allows each child to move at their own pace, breaking down the traditional barriers that keep many disabled students out of physical education.
The programme, still in its pilot phase, is already expanding with summer camps in the works. Rob’s long-term dream is to develop his own inclusive summer camp and continue training others with disabilities to run their own fitness sessions. “The goal is to create a ripple effect—people seeing someone with a disability teaching sport, and realising what’s possible.”
But challenges remain. Rob points to ongoing issues with accessibility, transport, and awareness. “Public transport can be a nightmare. And even when inclusive activities exist, there’s hardly any promotion. You usually only hear about it through word of mouth or social media.”
Which is why visibility matters. A single Instagram post about his work led to coverage in The Irish Independent, and several interview requests followed. Rob knows that sharing his story not only raises awareness—it also opens doors for others.
Rob also talks about the importance of mental wellbeing and entrepreneurship in the recovery process. Through courses like the entrepreneur programme with Theo Dommel, and support from Spinal Injuries Ireland, he’s building a business that promotes both fitness and independence. Rob shares how lottery grants and partnerships with charities have helped him organise events like kayaking days and other adaptive activities for people leaving rehab.
“There are activities out there — it’s just about finding them,” Rob says.
Rob extended an open invitation: “If anyone wants to learn more or get involved, find me on Instagram at @obyrnerob or visit whatsyourexcusefitness.com.” Rob O’Byrne’s story is more than a tale of recovery—it’s a powerful reminder that disability is not the absence of ability, and that with creativity, empathy, and a bit of determination, inclusive sport can thrive.
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on Phoenix 92.5FM, with repeats on Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 7AM & 3PM. Podcast available after each show on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.