Our IANspirational Ian O'Connell has recorded his first YouTube podcast titled Be Your Self. The recording recounts the events of the day that changed his life completely after falling from his bike in Killarney National Park in August 2017.

Over the past 18 months Ian has been inspiring people of all ages. His attitude towards the events of that day, and his message of positivity to look forward, not back, has resonated with so many people. His interview on the Late Late Show last summer especially left a lasting impression with many people, spreading his message If You Can't Stand Up Stand Out! So much so, the motto featured on Conor McGregor's training top recently!

In this first episode Ian details the events that followed after that fateful moment, explaining the scans, tests, hospitals stays and rehab that he went through for the next nine months before returning home to Killarney.

Have a listen here as Ian tells the story in his own words and the three things that he says he has learned from this experience.

His second podcast will continue his story and tell us about life after coming back home!

It has also been announced recently that Ian will be the 2019 Ambassador for the GAA Golf Challenge, an event where he was the beneficiary of a new wheelchair-adapted car in 2018. Ian is pictured at his home with Liam Daniels, Chairman of the annual GAA Golf Challenge.

The 20th annual GAA Golf Challenge will return to Monaghan on August 9th/10th 2019 and this year's beneficiary is seven year old Fionn McAnaney from Raharney Hurling Club in Co. Westmeath who is raising funds to travel to the USA for medical treatment.