Wrestlers with learning and physical disabilities performed before hundreds of spectators in Derry on Saturday night at the Foyle Rumble, an initiative that uses wrestling and ring characters to build confidence and independence.

The show at St Columb’s Hall was the third since the initiative began in 2024, and its most ambitious, according to reporting by Rory Carroll in The Guardian. Dozens of performers, including some without disabilities, took part in a production featuring dramatic entrances, stunts and a storyline built around heroes confronting a villainous entity called The Fault.

The project brings together the Tuned In Project, a Derry-based organization that creates opportunities for disabled adults, and Complete Anarchy Wrestling, an event promoter based across the border in County Donegal.

For Keelan O’Hagan, 24, developing his character Kellio involved changing his diet and fitness — and finding a response to people who had mocked him for his weight and attending a special school.

“He doesn’t step away from any challenge, he always accepts the mission. No matter what, he doesn’t quit,” O’Hagan told The Guardian about his alter ego.

Brian Walsh, 44, who is blind and performs as Brian Brogue, said training had initially frightened him but helped him build strength. “To be a blind person who does wrestling is the best thing ever,” he said.

Participants train for months. Phil Conn, the Tuned In Project’s programme manager, said the aim is to provide purpose, a supportive community and greater agency. He also stressed that choreographed wrestling carries real physical risks: participants have been bruised, and throws and hits have an impact.

SJ Murray, 25, who has a learning disability, described being nervous before performing as Siren, a character she calls brave and protective. She has studied wrestling moves, theory and strategy. During Saturday’s show, Siren took the action beyond the ring, flying over the ropes onto opponents below.

Sources