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'When I was a kid, I never really noticed that I was different'

Growing up with a disability, Ellen Keane felt insecure. Going to college she overcame that insecurity and is now reaching her full potential in the pool.

ELLEN KEANE REPRESENTED Ireland at her first Paralympic Games as a thirteen-year-old.

The Dublin swimmer, now 23, was born without part of her left arm below her elbow. As a teenager, she describes feeling sick with anxiety “trying to hide the fact that she didn’t have two arms”.

Since overcoming her anxiety, she is keen to get out and help people who might be going through a similar struggle.

“This needs to be talked about. Nobody talks about how uncomfortable it is to not be able to change something about themselves.I have to talk about it. I have to give hope to all the kids who are going through what I went through.”

Ellen will be competing at the European Paraswimming Championships as part of the Irish squad from 13-19 August.

The competition is being held in the National Aquatic Center in Blanchardstown for the first time and tickets are available here.

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    Mute Gwennie Ryan
    Favourite Gwennie Ryan
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    Jul 28th 2018, 9:28 AM

    Best of luck Ellen

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    Mute Nomad
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    Jul 28th 2018, 9:36 AM

    Really like this girl and wish her the best but that Allianz ad would make your ears bleed

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    Mute Declan Curley
    Favourite Declan Curley
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    Jul 28th 2018, 9:48 AM

    @Nomad: ah stop, it’s going to be amazing.

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