Bernadette takes Kinsale’s Yacht Club’s Person of the Year

(JJ Hurley)

Bernadette Walsh was awarded Kinsale Yacht Club Person of the Year

Bernadette Walsh described her award as the Person of the Year at Kinsale’s Yacht Club as a shock, as her hard work with the Sailability project was acknowledged.

The project, which was established by Donal Hickey, provides those with intellectual or physical challenges with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of taking to the waters in Kinsale Harbour.

Last year, the programme provided 76 people with the opportunity to take part in the activity on Saturdays from April to October.

Bernadette’s introduction to the Sailability project came as a result of her son, Brehane, signing up to take part in the weekly activity, and he’s now been joined by his brother, Callum, who is one of the many volunteer instructors.

Bernadette became more involved in the running of the operation when Donal Hickey asked her if she would run the WhatsApp group.

The Belgooly resident says what she didn’t realise was that he was actually asking her to be the secretary.

In accepting the award, the Belgooly resident said, ‘I get as much out of it as the participants do, it is as good for me as it is for the children and adults, who take part.’

‘I don’t see the award as a success for me, I see it as an award for the success of Sailability itself,

‘You know I am just one part of a jigsaw.’

That jigsaw includes many pieces, including a number of very generous benefactors, including a recent anonymous donation of €30,000 to purchase a rib.

Providing specially adapted sailing boats and other equipment doesn’t come cheap.

However, its annual table quiz, as well as a number of grants, including support from the Ireland Fund, help the project to provide the necessary equipment.

Reflecting on what has been the enormous success of the project, Bernadette points to the camaraderie among all those involved, who are focused on the objectives of the Saturday morning activities.

‘The reason why I feel it works is because it is not competitive,’ she said.

‘Everybody in the family can get involved, so it’s not just run by the committee, it is actually run by family members, it’s like a family I suppose.’

With a growing waiting list, Kinsale’s Sailability Project is hoping to add more equipment to its arsenal, including a number of specially designed kayaks, so others can enjoy the benefits of the programme.