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04.02.2017
Shirley O'Regan and Dee Falvey, Irish Guide Dogs and Allie, are all smiles at the civic reception hosted by Cork County Mayor Cllr Seamus McGrath at Council Buildings, Youghal, in honour of history making marathon runner Sinead Kane.
Picture: David Keane.

For more details see attached press release.

Press Release
World Record Holder Sinead Kane recognised by Mayor of the County of Cork
February 4th 2017
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Seamus McGrath today held a civic reception in the home town of Cork’s latest Sporting Hero, Sinead Kane.
Sinead literally ran into the record books when she became the first visually-impaired athlete to complete the World Marathon Challenge, seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. The challenge took Sinead from Antarctica on January 23, to Chile on January 24, Miami on January 25, Madrid on January 26, Marrakech on January 27, Dubai on January 28, where Sinead finished joint first, to finally Sydney on January 29.
Speaking at the reception, Mayor McGrath expressed his admiration for such an incredible accomplishment, “I would like to both personally, and on behalf of the people of Cork County, congratulate Sinead on such a phenomenal achievement. Sinead is a shining example of mental and physical strength and is an inspiration to us all by showing what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves.”
Youghal woman Sinead, who has just 5% vision, is familiar with firsts. Qualifying as Ireland’s first legally blind solicitor in 2009, Sinead became the first visually-impaired Irish person to run an ultra-marathon in Ireland two years ago, having only taking up running five years ago.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Mr. Tim Lucey, was also in admiration of Sinead’s record breaking achievement, “To complete a marathon in a time of 4:42:29 is something many of us would aspire to. To record such a time after running a marathon every day for 6 days previously, in such extreme conditions, is truly remarkable and a reflection of Sinead’s unwavering character.”
Mayor McGrath went onto say, “Sinead has shown in every capacity of her life that where there is a will there is a way and is a shining example of how with strength and perseverance anything is possible. I am delighted to be able to recognise Sinead as such a fantastic role model and am very sure we will hear more from Sinead Kane.”
Speaking at the civic reception, Sinead spoke of her experience, “The World Marathon was a character building experience for me and tested me both mentally and physically and put me outside my comfort zone and helped me become comfortable with being uncomfortable and also showed endless vision and mind sight over eyesight”.
-ENDS-