Search on for mayos most inspirational woman
FOXFORD-born Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell, broadcaster, politician and lecturer, will be keynote speaker at the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre’s (MRCC) fundraising gala in the new year.
The inaugural Mayo Inspirational Woman Award has been very generously sponsored by Mayo Sports Clinic West and will be presented by Therese O’Grady.
MRCC, Mayo’s leading service provider of high quality care to those affected by sexual violence, is holding its fundraising event Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Little Christmas in the TF Royal, Castlebar, on January 6. The fun-packed evening will feature a glittering drinks reception, dinner, music, a raffle and attractive spot prizes, such as return flights for two to London with Aer Lingus with free parking and VIP lounge access at Knock airport.
Following in the footsteps of female legends such as Mary Robinson, Grainne Uaile, Margaret Burke Sheridan and Delia Murphy, nominations for inspirational women are sought from all walks of life.
Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has been nominated as a great ambassador and the first openly gay Rose of Tralee whose dignity and honesty has been a light for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, and particularly for those struggling with their orientation.
Among the other nominees is Martina Jennings, for her tireless work for Cystic Fibrosis, who is described as truly inspirational as ‘every life she touches is made better by her involvement’.
There are many more unsung heroines out there who deserve to be recognised for their courage and strength and MRCC urge people to send in their nominations so they can be acknowledged.
The Nollaig na mBan event is being held to raise funds for the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre building in Castlebar. A vital resource for those seeking a confidential and safe haven having experienced the trauma of sexual violence in their life, the building is in urgent need of repair, with recent structural problems identified as a result of last year’s storm damage.
Sponsorship for the event has been generously offered from across the local business community, such as Mode Hairdressing, which has agreed to donate all monies from blow dries and up styles on January 6 to the Mayo Rape Crisis building fund.
Loretta McDonagh, MRCC’s acting director of services, said: “We really urge people to support this worthwhile event. MRCC has been providing a vital service for over 20 years, offering information, advocacy, counselling and support in a safe, confidential and private setting.
“At a time when funding for Rape Crisis Centres nationally is under continual threat and with the danger that yet another local service will be centralised, we are appealing to the community spirit of the people of Mayo to get behind us to fund our building campaign and ensure our service continues in Mayo for the people of Mayo.”