Inspirational Molly Marshall living without limits

A young para-athlete from Cork who was born with cerebral palsy is championing a national campaign raising vital funds and awareness for children and adults with disabilities.

14 year old Molly Marshall from Passage West is one of this year’s Life With No Limits champions, a yearly campaign run by disability charity Enable Ireland which runs throughout September.

Sports fanatic Molly attends Enable Ireland Cork Children’s Service in Curraheen where her schedule is packed with activities including running, triathlons, discus, basketball, and swimming.

“I was quite young when I started,” said Molly who was just five years old when she fell in love with sports.

“I remember seeing a poster in Enable Ireland for a club called Rebel Wheelers. Then I went to a Sports Ability Open Day and Rebel Wheelers were there. I got talking to them and I decided to try the club. I absolutely loved it!”

Molly’s passion for running started from there and it wasn’t long before she joined the Junior Parkrun in Cobh with her younger sister, Nell.

“It was here that I learnt about Ballymore Cobh Athletics Club from some of the Parkrun volunteers,” continued Molly.

“Nell and I didn’t think twice about joining! At Ballymore Cobh AC I got to try even more athletics. Sprinting is the best and the 100m and 200m are my favourite events.”

Molly’s devotion to sport has seen her compete in both mainstream and para competitions. She took part in her first international competition in 2023 when she was chosen by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) to represent Ireland at the AA National Junior Para Athletics Championships in Coventry, England. It was a hugely successful outing for Molly who won a gold medal in each of her three events for her disability classification: the Para 100m, shot put, and discus.

Molly said: “I went with my mum, dad, and Nell and we had an amazing time. It was exciting to be there with so many athletes who had different levels of ability. Competing in a professional championship felt like a step-up and it was great to compete against people I didn’t know.”

Enable Ireland provides vital therapy and support services for over 13,000 children and adults with disabilities in Ireland. Every year, the charity needs over €2 million in additional funding to meet the costs of delivering its services.

Maria Desmond, Enable Ireland Regional Fundraising Manager, said: “Life With No Limits is an important campaign in the Enable Ireland calendar. It helps to provide a platform for children and adults who attend 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.”

To support the campaign, donations can be made online at enableireland.ie or by phoning the Cork fundraising office on 021-4663305.

“Now more than ever we need your help to raise funds. Please support our vital services for children and adults with disabilities,” said Ms Desmond.