Specialist Group was delighted to welcome the inspiring Ian McKinley to the factory last week.

Ian, former international rugby player initially retired in 2011 following the loss of sight in one of his eyes after he experienced an unfortunate accident during one of his games.

In 2012 he accepted an offer to do coaching in a small Italian city. He was determined to get back playing and he gave playing at junior level in 2014 a go, using specially manufactured goggles for protection.

This success resulted in the return to the professional sport with Zebre, Benetton, Treviso as well as international rugby for Italy.

Ian has since returned to Ireland and is coaching at Ulster schools’ level in Ballymena and Rainey Old Boys Rugby Club.

What an inspiration.