Mikey O'Doherty's milestone: Living his life with no limits in Limerick

AS ENABLE Ireland launches its annual Life With No Limits campaign, one local man, who avails of the organisation's services, has not only achieved his lifelong goal of a college degree but continues to thrive in both work and study.
Mikey O’Doherty from O'Briensbridge-Montpelier attends Enable Ireland Adult Services in Quinn’s Cross, Limerick. Coming from a family of academics, his lifelong ambition was to gain a college degree.
Not only did he achieve this, but Mikey truly excelled. He attended Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, where he studied English and History. He earned a First-Class Honours for his dissertation on A Social and Oral History of Billiards and Snooker in Limerick and he is now working with Enable Ireland Virtual Service, providing his expertise on delivering webinars.
Mikey said: “I felt a huge sense of achievement when my dissertation was finally submitted. When I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and English (first class honours) on graduation day, I couldn’t stop smiling!”
“Now I’m kept busy by my role with Enable Ireland. The analytical and writing skills I developed through my degree have been useful in my new role.”

READ MORE: Limerick communities shine as Wildcards announced for Going for Gold 2025 Final
He explained that he came from a very academic background as his seven siblings all pursued a third-level education and have been very successful.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be like my family. They’re very hard-working and very clever.”
Mikey continued: “One of my brothers is in the movie industry. I also have a sister who is a medical scientist, and another who works in government. Watching them all go to college was a great inspiration for me. I was determined to go myself and wouldn’t let anything hold me back. I wanted to be successful.”
He emphasised that Enable Ireland got behind him and were a huge support to him 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.
“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 the time came for Mikey to go to college there was no doubt about what he would study as he always had a 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.
“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.”
In his spare time, Mikey rereads the course literature for fun rather than studying.
“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.”

READ MORE: Defence Forces guide Limerick youth through survival challenge
Mikey was also amazed by how accessible the college is.
“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.”
As well as in-shop activities, Enable Ireland’s Limerick charity shop will be raising funds through collections at Henry Street and O’Connell Street on Tuesday, September 16.
Dónal Kitt, Enable Ireland national fundraising manager, commented on the Life With No Limits campaign, saying: “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 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. The non-profit organisation also provides family support and respite services to over 500 children with physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities and Autism in the Mid-West, including Limerick. Enable Ireland provides vital disability services to children in Limerick from Blackberry Park.
For adults, they offer a range of services which include day services, training, personal development, supported and independent living, and social and leisure activities.
They also run services for adults from their hubs located in Castleconnell, Hartstonge Gate, Quinn’s Cross, and Rathkeale.
Every year, Enable Ireland needs over €2 million in additional funding to meet the costs of delivering their services. The additional income generated from Enable Ireland's shops and fundraising is crucial.
You can support Enable Ireland's campaign this September by making a purchase in their shop on Honan’s Quay or by donating online at www.enableireland.ie.