AISLING Arthur from Faha, Kildimo, refuses to believe that having a disability means having limits to what you can do.
Aisling attends Enable Ireland Adult Services in Limerick and is a 2024 Life With No Limits Champion.
She says 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 her own admission, there is no sport Aisling 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,” she says.
“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.”
Aisling’s team plays the workers at Dell every winter and summer, and they give no quarter.
“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,” recalls Aisling.
“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.”
Aisling was named this year as an Enable Ireland Life With No Limits Champion.
The campaign takes place during September each year and 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.
Enable Ireland provides vital therapy and support services for over 13,000 children and adults with disabilities. Its 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, it offers a range of services which include daycare, training, personal development, supported and independent living, and social and leisure activities.
People can support the Life With No Limit campaign by making a purchase in one of Enable Ireland’s charity shops or donating online at enableireland.ie during the month of September.
The public can also support Enable Ireland by giving to volunteers collecting for the charity throughout the month, or by dropping a bag of quality pre-loved items into an Enable Ireland shop or clothing bank.
