AN INSPIRING Limerick woman was presented with a national award for the care and support she has shown to an equally inspiring Limerick man who, against all odds, returned to cycling after a debilitating spinal injury, and raised €200,000 for a good cause in doing so.
Paula O’Keeffee was presented with the Inspiring Award at the Bluebird Care National Conference and Awards Gala, held in Birmingham.
The Limerick woman, who works with Bluebird Care, was recognised for her “outstanding contribution to care, compassion, and community” for the support she gave to Limerick man Conor O’Dea.
Mr O’Dea, a former endurance athlete, suffered a life-changing spinal injury eight years ago. This year, with the help and support of Paula, Conor got back in the saddle to take part in the Tour de Munster cycle.
In taking on the 640km cycle (almost 400 miles), the pair raised over €200,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland.
Speaking at the time, Paula, who first met Conor at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, remarked: “He was lying in a hospital bed saying, ‘I’m going to get out of this bed. I’m going to walk.’ And I just thought, okay, let’s try.”
Paula herself hadn’t cycled a bike in 15 years, but after meeting Conor, she signed up for her first triathlon.
“He even inspired me to do that,” she said. “We push each other on. I get just as much out of it as he does.”
Bluebird Care said that Paula was “at the very centre” of Conor’s journey, “not only providing care and encouragement to Conor as he returned to sport, but also joining him on the road herself”.
Reflecting on her award, Paula said that “it has been such a privilege to walk this road with Conor, from helping him adjust after his accident, to getting back on a bike, and raising money for charities close to his heart”.
“To be recognised at a national level is incredibly humbling, but it’s really about teamwork and community. Bluebird Care has allowed me to make a difference, and I am so grateful.”
Bluebird Care COO Mark McInerney had high praise for the Limerick woman, saying that “Paula embodies everything Bluebird Care stands for: compassion, resilience, and the belief that great care can transform lives. Her work with Conor has inspired people not only in Limerick but right across the country.”
