Local hero Mary‘ put Arklow on the map’
‘A true ambassador who has not only done a Lap of the Map, but who has put Arklow on the map,’ is how cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District Tommy Annesley described Mary Nolan Hickey at a civic reception in her honour.
Cllr Annesley and his fellow Arklow MD members hosted a reception in honour of the now national hero who ran 1506 miles solo around the coast of Ireland in less than four months, raising more than €68,000 for the RNLI.
The event was attended by over 100 people representing An Garda Síochána, RNLI, Sea Scouts, First Responders, Firefighters, Rowing Club, Coastguard Units, local running clubs along with many of Mary’s family and friends.
Cllr Annesley extended heartfelt thanks to Mary on her achievement and thanked all those who had assisted her on her journey.
He remarked on her impressive act of fundraising which caught the country’s imagination.
Speakers on the night included Michael Mordaunt, Chairman of the RNLI fundraising, who confirmed to the audience that in excess of €68,000 has been raised to date. Breda O‘Loughlin Byrne also paid tribute to Mary on behalf of the backroom team.
Following a speech from Mary herself in which she highlighted the contribution made by everyone involved and thanked them sincerely, Cllr Tommy Annesley presented her with the Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award for 2018.
Mary then received a standing ovation from the attendees.
She said that it was a huge honour to receive the award.
‘I was absolutely delighted to receive the Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award,’ Mary said. ‘It was such a huge honour for me and it was wonderful so attend the reception at Arklow Municipal District. It was a lovely evening and there were such kinds words said. I am still stunned with the reaction to the Lap of the Map. People have been so kind and so supportive. I’m still getting around to visit many of the local schools and the response from the children is just so wonderful. It’s a pleasure to visit them,’ she added.
Arklow Municipal District introduced the annual Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award in 2017 to recognise an outstanding contribution from an individual or group, the recipient is chosen by the Cathaoirleach.
2018 is Mary’s 50th year in athletics which includes being the only Irish woman to complete all 38 Dublin Marathons.
She has also completed a Marathon des Sables in Morocco which is known to be the toughest footrace on earth.