Ladies Who Launch

Our
Story

Ladies Who Launch is a wellbeing focused kayaking programme hosted at Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre. The programme was founded in 2020 by centre Director Jon Hynes and physiotherapist and kayak instructor Amy Walsh.

The programme runs weekly, on Wednesday evenings from April to September, providing a space for women with a cancer diagnosis to meet and enjoy wellness-focused sessions on the water, in the wonderful natural spaces afforded by Kinsale Harbour and other local environs.

The sessions focus on "slow adventure", building a sense of community, and physical recreation through kayaking, stand up paddleboards and other water-based adventures.

Over four years, the Ladies Who Launch programme has brought together women from all over Cork, and supported those with a cancer diagnosis in taking time for personal fulfilment and time in nature, in a supportive and growing community.

Image of people on the Mega Stand Up Paddleboard

Launched

Diagnosis, shock, surgery,

therapies, chemo and radio.

Jump into a kayak,

and together, away we go.

To faraway Moneypoint,

or nearby Charlesfort.

Paddles in the water traversing

choppy waters, calm sea.

A rhythm uniting us all

propelling us forward.

Tomorrow awaits

hopes held high.

Camaraderie wins.

Forever friends.

On the sea it’s you and me

aboard sea kayaks or sit on top.

Blue sky, black sky

clouds and sun.

This is the adventure

that unites us all as one.

-Cathy O Sullivan 27/08 2022

Writer & Ladies Who Launch participant