World-record rower honoured as Person of the Month for her 'indomitable Limerick spirit'

A WORLD-record rower received a notable honour on her birthday, as she accepted a Limerick Person of the Month award for her remarkable charitable efforts.

Kate Healy, from Corbally, broke a world record when she completed a row of 256,480 metres in 24 hours to raise funds for children attending St. Gabriels, where she works as a therapist.

29-year-old Kate completed her 24-hour row in the Crescent Shopping Centre last November and did so to raise funds for an Innowalk, a piece of equipment that allows children in wheelchairs to experience dynamic movement and engagement in physical activity. 

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For her determination and for the thousands of euros she selflessly raised for charity, she was chosen to receive a Person of the Month award. Upon being honoured this Thursday on her birthday, she said: “I’m very thankful, I’m delighted.

“I have been rowing with a number of clubs in Limerick since I was 12 and am currently a member of Shannon Rowing Club - but this [the world record row] was my biggest challenge to date! 

“Last summer, St. Gabriels trialled an innovative dynamic stander called the Innowalk, which cost €60,000, it is a piece of equipment that supports children with complex physical needs to stand, move and walk independently. 

“As St. Gabriels didn’t have the funding to buy the Innowalk equipment, I decided there and then to complete this challenge so that the children that I’m working with will be able to benefit. And we raised €60,000! 

“It was an extremely tough challenge but I’m so glad I did it. So many people supported me and I am so grateful for the experience.” 

Manager at St Gabriels who accompanied Kate to receive her Person of the Month award this Thursday, Aideen Shinners said: “The piece of equipment that Kate raised money for has just had a huge impact on those children and young people using our services, so, as Kate said, it has given those who can’t walk, stand or move independently the chance to gt up and go.

“We’ve had from families, staff and children themselves describe the equipment as life-changing. Kate has been such an asset to our organisation.”

Additionally, the CEO of St Gabriels, Treasa McAuliffe added: “Kate has that indomitable Limerick spirit, and she just never gave up. We are so lucky to have her on our team because she has made such a difference. We are just so proud of her”.

St.Gabriel’s School and Centre is situated in Dooradoyle and is a non-denominational organisation and a registered charity.

For over 50 years, it has served children and their families from across the Mid-West and comprises a special needs school, an outpatient therapy centre, a clinic of the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) a newly built hydrotherapy pool and a regional orthotics service (ROS).

Limerick Person of the Month is sponsored by the Limerick Leader, Southern Media and the Clayton Hotel.