Paula McInerney, Director of Bluebird Care Limerick Takes on The Tall Ship Challenge in aid of Spinal Injuries Ireland

Paula McInerney, Director of Bluebird Care Limerick took on the Tall Ship Challenge in aid of Spinal Injuries Ireland with Bluebird Care Limerick customer Conor O’Dea.

Paula McInerney from Bluebird Care Limerick went the extra mile by doing the Spinal Injuries Tall Ships Challenge with her customer Conor O'Dea. 

On Saturday 18^th of June 2022, Spinal Injuries Ireland commissioned the SV Tenacious Tall Ship to lead a crew of 40 people of all abilities on the voyage of a lifetime. 

Paula went as a PA/ nurse with Conor in a voluntary capacity. Conor has a spinal injury and is a wheelchair user post a traumatic accident. Prior to his injury he used to train and do triathlons and iron man competitions. 

Paula McInerney said: “I did the event to help Conor achieve a goal as part of his recovery from a spinal injury.  On a personal level Conor has been an inspiration to me and to all the Bluebird Care team that have worked closely with him on his rehab since his discharge from the National Rehabilitation Hospital. His resilience has been an inspiration to everyone that have worked with him since discharge home to the community” 

Paula continued: “I also believe this adventure will positively impact and hopefully develop his recovery and rehabilitation further. And forge and grow new friendships.” 

There are 8 people with spinal injuries who went on the trip, plus their personal assistants. 

During the week of the challenge, they sailed from the port town of Poole on the South Coast of England, veered south towards Jersey and the North coast of France, before heading back for home and sailing into Dublin. 

While no sailing experience is required, what is needed is grit and determination. There are no passengers on the Tall Ship though! Every person has a role, every person is an equal member of the crew, and every person contributes to the success of this voyage as part of a powerful team of individuals. 

Paula McInerney Said: “It’s all hands-on deck. The minute you step onboard you are part of the crew, all chores from Watch to Happy Hour, which is not happy hour as we’d know in the traditional sense, it’s full-on cleaning every corner of the ship. It’s tough, but it was exhilarating and an experience of a lifetime” 

Paula discussed how she knew Conor:

 “I met Conor for the first time in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in 2018 prior to his discharge home to the community in 2019. Bluebird Care Limerick are the agency contracted by HSE Disabilities Limerick to provide his PA and nursing package at home. The team at Bluebird care have been very involved with Conor on his journey and rehabilitation since he left the National rehabilitation Hospital. 

She continued: “Conor has also been help to me too when I dabbled in Triathlon. He’s a former Ironman triathlete and helped me with advice on my training and preparation for my event, which was brilliant” 

If you wish to continue  to join the support for Paula and Conor check out https://spinalinjuries.ie/ 

Paula added: “This challenge is a fundraiser for Spinal injuries Ireland, which is Ireland's only dedicated support service for the 2,100 + people living with a spinal injury and their 20,000 family members. This amazing charity relies on public support for up to 60% of its income and is a very important organisation to support.”