Daring Mary gives thanks!

Mary Lynch of Nenagh would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated to her recent abseiling challenge in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Assocation.

Last October, on the eve of her 72nd birthday, Mary abseiled from the top of the Skyview Tower in Smithfield, Dublin, a drop of some 190 feet. Despite having a fear of heights, this was Mary's third fundraising abseil with the local childminder determined to do something extraordinary to help the IMNDA.

The two previous occasions (2016 and 2019) saw Mary dropping from the top of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park. Her most recent challenge involved an abseil of almost twice that height after climbing 244 steps. “It was a real buzz,” she said of the Smithfield event, describing the atmosphere generated by onlookers as several dozen participants abseiled from the iconic red brick tower. Mary was joined again by her niece Juile but, unlike Croke Park, they were unable to descend together. Definitely not for the fainthearted, it certainly was a memorable undertaking for Mary, who had previously decided that this would be her last abseil.

“Never say never, but this was the last throw of the dice for me,” she said. “I'm just glad to have done it and I am so grateful to everyone who supported me with donations. I want to thank everyone.”

A special mention of thanks goes to Mairead Long of the Revenue Commissioners in Nenagh, where many of the staff have first-hand experience of motor neurone disease.

A total of €6,336 was raised and this was presented to the IMNDA just before Christmas. Mary, whose mother died from motor neurone disease, was delighted to have been able to make this contribution to the IMNDA, which provides practical assistance to around 400 families across Ireland but relies on donations to make up more than 80% of its funding. Originally from Blarney, Co Cork, Mary has become synonymous with the IMNDA in this part of the country in trying to help people living with the condition and their families.

She is also well known for organising social dances at the Scouts Hall in Nenagh, something she hopes will return later this year as she plans to hold another fundraising dance for the IMNDA. Mary is still accepting donations and anyone who would like to give something can contact her at 086 3435371.