Catherine Connolly presents 'President's Award' to inspiring young woman
Sarah said after receiving the award it made her realise that ‘you can achieve more than you ever imagined’
Catherine Connolly presented an inspiring young woman with the ‘President’s Award’ in association with Enable Ireland this week.
For 75 years, Enable Ireland has provided vital disability services to children and adults in 15 counties across Ireland, championing inclusion and challenging stereotypes by sharing the stories of people who attend their local services.
Two of these inspirational people are Sarah O’Sullivan and Erin McNamara.
Every September, Enable Ireland’s Life With No Limits campaign showcases the personal stories, ambitions and experiences of people with disabilities. The Life With No Limits Champions are individuals who use Enable Ireland services. They are athletes, advocates, dancers, volunteers, and more.
Each story is different, but each illustrates people with disabilities living the lives they choose, pursuing their goals, and participating in their communities on their own terms.
Sarah O’Sullivan from Askeaton, has achieved the prestigious Gold Gaisce, The President’s Award.
As a wheelchair user, Sarah found ways to adapt the challenges to suit her own abilities while still meeting the challenge criteria. For example, working with the President’s Award, she found an equivalent challenge for the days and distance of the adventure journey that accounted for the battery life on her electric wheelchair.
On achieving her Gold Gaisce, Sarah says: “Completing the Gold Gaisce has shown me that with determination, support, and a willingness to challenge yourself, you can achieve more than you ever imagined. Of course, a real highlight of completing the Gold Gaisce was meeting the President, Catherine Connolly!”
Rathbane-based Erin McNamara is also recounting her discovery of dance as part of the Life With No Limits Campaign.
Erin, who is deaf, has been performing with Dance Limerick for eight years and has curated her own performances as part of the city’s renowned Culture Night. In June, she was also selected from 100 applicants to perform at Dublin’s Project Art Centre Disabled Artists Scratch Night.
Erin said: “Enable Ireland introduced me to Dance Limerick eight years ago. For me, dancing is about feeling the music, the vibrations guide me. With Dance Limerick, I’ve now performed in five shows.
“Dance has made me feel more confident and happier, I always feel very emotional after dancing. My goal is to help more people understand that music and dance can be a language without using your voice.”
Katy Hewison, community engagement producer at Dance Limerick, said about working with Erin: “Dance Limerick has had the pleasure of working with Erin McNamara over the past three years through an Inclusive Dance Artists training project in partnership with Limerick Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council.
“Since 2025, Erin has been developing her solo practice, exploring floorwork, party atmosphere and how sound vibrations through the floor influence her movement. Erin's solo work, shared to a large audiences at Culture Night, brings greater visibility to Irish Sign Language for audiences in Limerick. Erin continues to grow as an exciting performer and maker and we look forward to supporting her future artistic journey.”
You can support the ‘Enable Ireland Life With No Limits’ campaign this September by making a purchase in their Limerick charity shops on Honan's Quay and 122 O'Connell Street, or donating online at www.enableireland.ie.