Inspiring Ireland, Inspiring Students - An Interview with Katie O'Brien

Limerick Education Centre & Dr Fidelma Healy Eames are delighted to announce that the next ‘Inspiring Ireland Inspiring Students’ interview, is with

Katie O'Brien

Ireland's Inspirational Para Rower & World Record Holder

Thursday October 06th @ 10am

You may ask who is Katie O’Brien and why have we selected Katie for our next Inspiring Ireland, Inspiring Students’ interview?

Katie O’Brien, a young Galway girl is a Para rower with her eyes and heart set on a gold medal at the Paralympics in Paris in 2024. Born with a severe case of spina bifida, which affected her left leg and parts of the left side of her body, she had more than ten surgeries by the time she was 10 years old and wasn’t expected to walk!

Now in her mid 20s and already a qualified Vet, she has excelled in rowing in recent years after just picking up the sport in her mid-teens.  Rowing for years in a single boat, she was on the lookout for a male partner for almost ten years to join her on her paralympic journey so she could try to qualify to represent her club, her county and her country on the highest stage possible in sport. She has recently found one and they’re on their way!

Although Katie’s journey has ebbed and flowed, she has never given up! She has powered through each obstacle, winning multiple medals and accolades. Katie represents Ireland in the PR2 W1x category and is a member of Galway Rowing Club. She previously rowed for UCD, whilst studying there to become a Vet, her second passion in life after rowing.

Katie is quite simply a winner in life and in sport – she has defied all the odds.  She won a bronze medal at the 2019 World Rowing Championships in Linz. More recently, she has won gold at the Henley Women’s Regatta and at the Home International Regatta. She has also two world records on ERG, the first in 2015 over 1km and the second over 2k in 2021.

We have chosen Katie’s because her story is inspirational - she has overcome adversity at every turn! Her positive attitude and passion for success sees no stone unturned in the pursuit of her goals in sport and in life. Her story inspires everyone who hears it and at Study and Careers, we believe our young people deserve to hear it!

Register your class here today with Limerick Education Centre.