Athlone’s Conor graduates after eight-year journey despite health battle

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone man Conor Burke has graduated with a degree in International Business and Languages in spite of his ongoing health challenges.

The graduation took place at Technological University (TU) Dublin on Friday, October 30, as part of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Conor began his university journey in 2018, however after complications with his health which ultimately led paralysis from the waist down, it has taken him eight years to complete his course.

"Conor has had to deal with more in his 27 years than most people deal with their whole life," Conor's mother Lisa said.

"This is Conor's doing, he wanted to do it. I always say 'you can either lay down or you can make what you can of it'.

"Conor is fluent in French and Italian. It was always his dream to travel. You have to look at the reality of what's available to you."

The 27-year-old was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS ) in 2022, a debilitating condition which affects the connective tissues of the body and causes complications including chronic pain, fatigue and hypermobility and dislocation of joints.

He had previously received diagnosis of POTS, Craniocervical instability or CCI, along with AAI Atlanto-axial instability. He has undergone multiple operations, including surgery on his large intestine, an operation on his bladder, as well as two spinal surgeries.

In 2022, a GoFundMe page, Conor’s Journey, amassed over €120,000 in donations. The fundraiser enabled Conor to travel to Barcelona for spinal surgery. It was in 2025, when Conor's spinal cord tethered once again, that he required further surgery on his spine.

Looking forward, Conor has aspirations to study for a Master's of Education and to go on to have a career in teaching.