Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
ONE OF THE survivors from last week’s balcony collapse in Berkeley has posted a touching message on Facebook today.
Clodagh Cogley, who suffered a broken shoulder, two collapsed lungs, a broken knee, five broken ribs and a broken spinal cord, said the likelihood of her using her legs again are slim.
However, despite her extensive injuries, the Trinity College student wrote an inspiring and positive note, pledging to live her life to the full to honour her friends who have died.
Today, Olivia Burke and Niccolai Schuster were laid to rest, while yesterday funerals for Eimear Walsh and Eoghan Culligan were held.
Ashley Donohue’s funeral was held in California, while Lorcan Miller’s funeral is being held tomorrow.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
That’s pretty damn courageous. This happened to her only a week ago yet her positivity is quite frankly awe-inspiring. I think everyone our age can take something from this.
Her positivity is incredible. The very best of luck with your rehabilitation.
Clodagh I wish you well on your recovery and may every day bring you fresh happiness and success!
humbled
Brave kid.
Inspirational. So courageous.
With that kind of positive outlook on life she’s going to have a wonderful life ahead of her, best of luck Clodagh, you’re an inspiration to all of us :)
What a hero. Hopefully she reads all the comments under all the articles and knows that the whole country is rooting for her. Sending all my love
What a fantastic inspirational,person! May she enjoy great fulfilment.
Heroes are made not born!
Wishing you and all those injured a full recovery.
Clodagh you are a credit to your family and an inspiration to everyone.
Think that’s the best Facebook status I’ve ever read. It bought tears to my eyes, sad, poignant yet full of hope and courage. Wishing you a positive onward journey to recovery
I’m so proud of Clodagh, I spent 8 years with her in primary school and she is the loveliest, friendliest most bubbly girl you would ever meet. Even something like this cannot burst Clodaghs bubble of positivity. She’s inspiring.
With your attitude , you will make the world a better place.Wishing you all the very best in your recovery,you are an inspiration to us all
.
class attiti
Well done Clodagh. I admire your positivity. Not only are you honouring the lives of your friends in your positive outlook, but you are inspiring others to do the same. I have no doubt you will be successful & happy in life. Wishing you all the best & a speedy recovery.
I envisage you being in high demand from various companies / sports clubs / schools etc… wanting you to come talk to their employees / members / students to inspire them to greater things.
All the best to you Clodagh
oh god, i click on the red thumb after reading Carol’s 1st comments above. My brain is faster than my mouse! Oops.:(
What a wonderfully writen piece by Ms Cogley. A positive attitude like that will go a long way to getting her the best results from her recovery. An inspiration to us all and confirmation if I needed it that life is good and should be appreciated at every opportunity.
Please Michelle, consider her dead friends before celebrations of being alive begin. I too wish her well but this joi de vivre is not appropriate at this time. Too soon, much too soon. The families are still in shock and deep grief. She should have got advice before releasing such a joyful statement. I am not alone in this sentiment.
I’m sure you’re not alone in your view. I guess somebody in a far away cave, shares your view.
If you click on a red ( or green) thumb by mistake, you can click on it again to undo your choice.
Don’t worry about it Michelle ;)
Not an appropriate statement to release in my opinion. Her friends have hardly been buried and she is telling everyone what a happy and full life she will lead. Not appropriate at all.
The poor girl has multiple injuries and has just lost several of her friends. Her efforts at positivity are to be admired and I think she strikes the right note by saying that she wishes to honor her dear friends who have died. She has a long struggle ahead. I think her attitude is amazing! She can’t change the tragic event, but she can remember her friends by doing all in her power to make the best of her changed circumstances. I think they would be proud of her. Keep fighting, Clodagh! Everyone in Ireland is behind you and the others who were injured. x
Maria. I agree with you totally and could write the same about her situation myself. I was simply expressing my opinion that it was much to soon to say such things. I’ve heard other people expression the same thoughts that I have written here. Anyway, I won’t comment further on this. I hope she recovers well enough to live a rich life.
Exactly Maria. Is it not bad enough that the poor girl lost her friends and possibly the ability to walk in a tragedy that could have been avoided. She had to live with memories of that awful night for the rest of her life and I think if any of the survivors want to honour their friends in this manner. who is anybody here to judge.
What an awful thing to say but I am sure she didn’t mean for it to come out that way?
have your say