James Casserly pictured with his parents, Vicki and Paul, GAA Diversity & Inclusion Officer Ger McTavish, and Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste pictured at Croke Park.
Standing 17 stories high with an unrivalled view of Dublin, the Skyline tour on the roof of Croke Park is one of the biggest attractions in the city. And as James Casserly has discovered its an experience that is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
A 16 year-old Dubliner with mobility challenges, James is better known through his Jimbo’s Accessible Adventure’s posts on social media – work that brought him to the attention of Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Roiste who appointed him as one of his ambassadors during his term of office.
A lifelong fan of Gaelic games, James had long dreamt of experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of Croke Park firsthand. However, his physical limitations had posed significant barriers to fulfilling this dream. Determined to make James' dream a reality, a local community initiative, in collaboration with the Lord Mayor's office, orchestrated a remarkable day out for him.
The adventure began with James being greeted at his doorstep by a convoy of the GAA’s accessible team in the GAA Museum, led by the Association’s Inclusion and Diversity officer Geraldine McTavish. Accompanied by his family and the Lord Mayor himself, James was whisked away on a journey filled with excitement and anticipation.
James was greeted by Peter McKenna, Stadium & Commercial Director at Croke Park. The Museum and stadium, usually bustling with activity on tours days, took on a special aura as James, in his wheelchair, was escorted to the skyline by the Lord Mayor.
Once inside, James was treated to a VIP experience like no other. He was given a guided tour of the stadium, with behind-the-scenes access to areas typically off-limits to the public. From the elevator to the skyline to the museum memorabilia, James soaked in every moment with unbridled joy.
But the highlight of the day came when James was on the top of the skyline looking over the top of the pitch. Positioned over the pitch, James smiled and laugh at the heights he has reached.
Reflecting on the day, James remarked: "This has been a dream come true for me. I never thought I'd get the chance to experience Croke Park like this. I'm so grateful to everyone who made it possible, especially the Lord Mayor, Geraldine McTavish and the Croke Park Museum Team."
For Geraldine McTavish, GAA Diversity and inclusion Manager, the experience was equally profound. "James' infectious enthusiasm and love for the GAA and Croke Park is truly inspiring. Today is a reminder that, with a little creativity and community spirit, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone irrespective of abilities to participate fully in our city's cultural life and sporting venues."
Peter McKenna, Croke Park Stadium Director, added: “We know just how special a place Croke Park is for people and a part of that appreciation is a constant quest to make the experience the best it can be and that also includes making it as inclusive and accessible as possible. By ensuring that our roof and our Skyline Tour are accessible, we can ensure that this special experience is available to as many people as possible.”
Dublin’s Lord Mayor Daithí de Roiste said: “Croke Park is not just the home of the GAA, but it is a cultural icon on the landscape of our capital city and indeed for the country. It was brilliant to see the joy on James’s face at the experience of being able to go sky high and it is something I’d recommend as the views of our great city are breathtaking.”
As the sun set on Croke Park, James’s bid farewell to the stadium that had captured his heart. But the memories of this extraordinary day will undoubtedly stay with him forever, a testament to the power of inclusivity and the unwavering spirit of the GAA and Dublin community.
For future information please contact the GAA Museum - https://crokepark.ie/tours
For enquiries on group bookings to the GAA Museum.
For general queries e.g. individual or family visits, please contact the museum at gaamuseum@crokepark.ie or on +353 1 819 2323
Follow Jimbo and his Accessible Adventures on Instagram via James Casserly (@jimbos_accessible_adventures)