Limerick Para Sports Devotee Aisling Arthur Lives Life With No Limits

Aisling Arthur, a 2024 Life With No Limits Champion says sport has played a key role in her life and that it gives her “more determination to keep going and reach my goals”. Pictured is Aisling receiving a Player of the Tournament trophy

Kildimo’s Aisling Arthur is a 2024 Life With No Limits Champion sharing her life experiences as part of the Enable Ireland campaign

Enable Ireland’s ‘Life With No Limits’ campaign takes place during September each year. It provides a platform for children and adults with disabilities who use Enable Ireland services to share their life experiences.  The campaign also aims to raise much-needed funds to support the charity’s work.

Aisling Arthur from Faha, Kildimo attends Enable Ireland Adult Services in Limerick and is a 2024 Life With No Limits Champion. She has had a life-long passion for sport and a can-do attitude which has seen her compete in everything from boccia to wheelchair hurling. By Aisling’s own admission, there is no sport she wouldn’t try!

“I have had a strong interest in sport since I was young. It’s always been a part of my life whether I’m watching or playing. The first sport I played was boccia when I was in secondary school. I used to love watching other children play and I decided to give it a go. Boccia has been a part of my life ever since. I have had the opportunity to captain a few teams throughout the years and challenge people of all abilities.

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“Enable Ireland has had tournaments between different adult service hubs which is an excellent chance to meet others with disabilities. We also play the workers at Dell every winter and summer, so I’ve had the chance to compete against people without disabilities too. I was proud to be awarded “Player of the Tournament” the last time we played. The trophy was presented to me by ex-Munster forward and Ireland rugby legend, John Hayes.”

“My most recent sports adventure is Wheelchair Hurling.  Being 28, I’m kind of oldish to start playing hurling but sure look! I strongly believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to. At the moment, I’m training with the junior team while I build my strength, speed, and skills.

“In June, I was thrilled to play my first competition with the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Club. I was thrown from pillar to post but you get back up and keep going. My nerves were shattered after the game but we won and I was really happy with my performance. It is my goal to get into the Senior Team, gain more experience, and keep improving myself. Of course, I’d like to win some medals in hurling and reach an All-Ireland final too!

“Sport has played a key role in my life. It gives me more determination to keep going and reach my goals. If you’re thinking about playing sport or any other activity, just go and try it – give it a go! If you don’t try it you’ll never know. Most importantly, always believe in yourself.”

Enable Ireland provides vital therapy and support services for over 13,000 children and adults with disabilities. Their services for children with disabilities and their families cover all aspects of a child’s physical, educational, and social development from early infancy through adolescence.  For adults, they offer a range of services which include daycare, training, personal development, supported and independent living, and social and leisure activities.

Dónal Kitt, Enable Ireland National Fundraising Manager comments on the campaign:

“Life With No Limits is a pivotal campaign in the Enable Ireland calendar. It helps to provide a platform for children and adults who use our services to share their stories. By spotlighting the lived experiences of people with disabilities the campaign raises awareness and helps support inclusion. It is also crucial in raising funds for Enable Ireland’s services. You can show your support by donating to one of our charity shops or online at www.enableireland.ie. Now more than ever we need your help to raise funds. Please support our vital services for children and adults with disabilities.”

Every year, Enable Ireland needs over €2 million in additional funding to meet the costs of delivering their services. The additional income generated from Enable Ireland’s shops and fundraising is crucial. Without it, the charity would not be able to meet the needs of the children and their families relying on Enable Ireland services.

Support the ‘Enable Ireland Life With No Limits’ campaign this September by making a purchase in one of their charity shops or donating online at www.enableireland.ie. The public can also support Enable Ireland by giving to volunteers collecting for the charity throughout the month. Or drop a bag of quality pre-loved items into their local Enable Ireland shop or clothing bank or into any TK Maxx store nationwide as part of their Give Up Clothes For Good campaign.