Mikey O’Doherty: Limerick’s Inspirational Life Without Limits
- Growing up, Mikey always admired his family's strong work ethic and intelligence.
- "Watching them all go to college was a great inspiration for me," Mikey said.
- He credits Enable Ireland with providing crucial support throughout his studies. "If I had a bad day, or if college was getting too much, like if I had...
Mikey’s Journey to Higher Education with Enable Ireland‘s Support
Growing up, Mikey always admired his family’s strong work ethic and intelligence. Inspired by his brother in the movie industry, his sister a medical scientist, and another sibling working in government, he was persistent to pursue higher education.
“Watching them all go to college was a great inspiration for me,” Mikey said. “I was determined to go myself and wouldn’t let anything hold me back. I wanted to be accomplished.”
He credits Enable Ireland with providing crucial support throughout his studies. “If I had a bad day, or if college was getting too much, like if I had a big assignment coming up, the hub at Quinns Cross was always there for me.A visit to the hub and a cup of tea helped me to relax.”
Mikey found the staff readily available for support. “I could ring the staff and say I was having a bad day. They’d talk me through things. It was a useful coping mechanism when I was caught in the stresses and pressures of finishing my dissertation.”
When it came time to choose a field of study, Mikey followed his lifelong passion for History and English. “When I was young, I used to eat the books! I loved diving into them, learning and reading from cover to cover.”
He found Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick to be the perfect fit. “I was delighted to receive a place at Mary Immaculate College,Limerick. For me, it was ideal. A nice number of people attend the college. It wasn’t too big and everyone was friendly.”
Even after graduating, Mikey maintains his connection to the subject matter, rereading course literature for enjoyment. “I miss MIC both socially and academically.So, I’m planning to apply for a Masters there soon.I can’t wait to get back into the books! Watch this space.”
Mikey was particularly impressed by the accessibility of MIC. “Mary Immaculate College has automatic doors, lifts and an online library. Or if I wanted to take out a physical book, I could go to the library, and there would always be someone to help. At MIC, everyone knew each other.You could speak to all the students and tutors on a first-name basis. It felt like a family.”
Dónal Kitt, Enable Ireland national fundraising manager, highlighted the importance of the Life With No Limits campaign. “Life With No Limits is a highlight of the year for Enable Ireland.It amplifies the voices of children and adults who use our services, sharing their lived experiences with the wider community. By doing so, the campaign not only raises awareness, but also supports empowerment and champions inclusion. Crucially, life With No Limits helps generate the funds that sustain our services nationwide.”
Enable Ireland provides comprehensive services for children with disabilities and their families, covering physical, educational, and social development from infancy through adolescence, and also family support and respite care. They currently support over 500 children with physical,sensory,intellectual disabilities and Autism in the Mid-West,operating from Blackberry Park in Limerick.
For adults,Enable Ireland offers day services,training,personal development programs,supported and independent living options,and social and leisure activities.Services are available from hubs in Castleconnell, Hartstonge Gate, Quinn’s Cross, and Rathkeale.
Enable Ireland requires over €2 million in additional funding annually to maintain its services, making fundraising efforts like the Life With No Limits campaign and shop revenue vital.
READ MORE: Defence Forces guide Limerick youth through survival challenge