Trisha Rooney (32) says she was thrilled to compete at the event in Manchester placing second out of 18 competitors, after a difficult few years, during which she confronted her abuser and went through court to get justice.
Her ex-partner was convicted at Wexford District Court in December 2022 for assaulting her in October 2020. The judge ordered that she receive €1,000 in compensation, which Trisha kindly decided to donate to Wexford Women’s Refuge.
Trisha said she tried to keep her ex in her children’s lives until he assaulted her one day in the autumn of 2020.
“So, I got him charged and I had my day in court in December 2022 during which I got to speak out for the first time. My life now is more than I could ever have dreamed of. I am married and now have three kids living in a safe, loving home. I would love to spread awareness of domestic abuse and show how some of us lucky ones get out and went to live an amazing life after a horrific experience.”
Trisha Rooney.
Trisha from Clongeen, but now living in Ballycullane, was 15 years old when she first met her partner.
“Things were great as how things normally would be when you’re in a relationship that young. Everything was exciting.”
She said they went on to have a son and daughter together.
Trisha went to the guards after he assaulted her in 2020, saying: “I had my day (in court), December 19, 2022. I never wanted to get him sent down, all I wanted was to be heard and for him to know he will never get to lay hands on me again. He was given a suspended sentence and I was granted €1,000 by the judge as compensation for the assault, which I never wanted.”
Trisha Rooney after being beaten up by her ex partner in 2020.
She said meeting other abuse survivors at the refuge last year opened her eyes to how prevalent domestic abuse can be.
“I was told by the women at the Women’s Refuge that there are so many stories of the abuse that so many women suffer every day, and some that get out, but they never hear of the happy ever after that I have today, the amazing life I now have with my husband and my kids and the hope that it gives women that they too can get out and find their happy ever after.”
Trisha attended counselling, finding that therapy worked very well for her. She said she struggled with her weight in the past but today enjoys powerlifting and has entered competitions.
She lost over seven stone in total and came third in her first powerlifting competition November 2022.
Trisha Rooney suffered an injury to her arm in the assault in 2020.
“I still struggle every day. I was diagnosed with PTSD in late 2020. I have a lot of healing still left to do. My immune system is always down, I’m always sick due to my body being so tense and always in survival mode, but the suffering I went through, I now use it as my fuel for training and reaching my goals today.
“I now have the man of my dreams and the best daddy to our babies. I now have three kiddies and we got married this year. I was blessed with a man so gentle and loving and what he has put up with, I don’t know how I deserve him. Between my outbursts, to my darkest days, he’s right there. If anyone is reading this, that doesn’t know me, all men are not the same. We were just loved wrongly by the wrong people and made to believe that that’s how we should be loved.
“Yes, things have been rushed for me, and it took a lot of work and it still is work to get my barriers down. There are certain things I still struggle to believe in to this day, but the feelings I feel for this man I never felt in my life. He’s my home and safe place and I’m healing with him beside me, don’t be afraid to love.”
Trisha Rooney several years ago.
She said: “Us survivors have a lot to give to the world and each and every one of us deserves our happy ever after, whatever that may be. And just know it’s doesn’t have to be physical abuse, screaming in your face, calling you names – that’s also abuse.
“The mental abuse is way worse, but we all need to stand together and share our stories and show how far we have come after our abuse. My babies are glowing, they are so happy, as am I.
“It’s time for us to rise up and show our bravery. Women like me suffered the way we did and stand where we are today, I was told today to shine my light for others and that I will continue to do.”
Trisha Rooney with her family.
Having completed her first bodybuilding competition over in Manchester representing Ireland in pure elite transformation category where Trisha shared her story about what she has achieved. she will continue to campaign for women to seek support for domestic abuse and past trauma.
“I’m hoping it can show strength and courage to others. I’m now down eight and a half stone. I placed second which I never expected, to be there was an achievement on its own.”