'No limits' Cork teen Molly is an Enable Ireland champion

A 14-year-old athlete from Passage West is one of Enable Ireland’s 2024 ‘Life with No Limits’ champions.

The campaign provides a platform for children and adults with disabilities who use Enable Ireland’s services to share their life experiences.

It also aims to raise much-needed funds to support the charity’s work.

Cork champion, Molly Marshall, was born with cerebral palsy.

Packed

The Passage resident, whose schedule is packed with sporting activities from 100m and 200m races, triathlons and discus, to basketball and swimming, developed a love of sports from a very young age when she got involved with Rebel Wheelers.

From there, Molly started taking part in the Junior Parkrun in Cobh and went on to join Ballymore Cobh Athletics Club.

Last year she was chosen by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) to compete and to also represent Ireland at the AA National Junior Para Athletics Championships in Coventry, England.

Step-up

“Competing in a professional championship felt like a step-up and it was great to compete against people I didn’t know,” Molly said.

“Plus, I won gold medals in all three events for my disability classification — the Para 100m, shot put, and discus! I was lucky enough to be chosen again in 2024 where I entered the 100m, 200m, and discus.”

Molly will next be competing in the IWA Grand Prix in Waterford before returning to Coventry for the national CP Games, where she will be competing on the same tracks again for the 100m, 200m and discus.

The teenager is one of the thousands of children and adults with disabilities supported by Enable Ireland.

Maria Desmond, Enable Ireland regional fundraising manager, said that by spotlighting the lived experiences of people with disabilities the Life With No Limits campaign raises awareness and helps support inclusion.

“It is also crucial in raising funds for Enable Ireland’s services,” Ms Desmond said.

To donate visit   https://enableireland.ie or call the Cork fundraising office on 021-4663305.