Inspirational, brave and truly amazing…the words don’t even come close to describing this year’s recipient of the Virginia Gallagher Mayo Person of the Year Award.
A hugely popular winner, Charlestown’s Rita Casey was presented with the prestigious accolade at the annual Mayo Association luncheon in Dublin in recent weeks. The mum-of-three was lauded for her relentless courage and positivity, as she continues to battle cancer, endure treatment, and always maintain a smile.
Rita was first diagnosed with cancer back in September 2017, but has always faced her challenges head on. She has continued to pursue her passion for running, continuing to take to the roads during her darkest times to help maintain her mental health and try to live as normal a life as possible. She was also instrumental in forming the East Mayo Athletics Club in Charlestown, which now boasts more than 200 members.
Having undergone gruelling treatment and chemotherapy following her initial diagnosis, Rita was determined to be a positive role model for her three young daughters, teaching them how to approach the biggest battles of life. In 2020, she suffered a major setback when she was told the cancer had returned – this time, stage four inoperable brain and lung cancer.
Determined to live life as best she could, Rita began to work towards her next run and despite facing ongoing difficult treatment, she started to focus on regaining her fitness and stamina. Adamant she wouldn’t let her stage four terminal diagnosis define her, she decided – on the off chance – to enter for the Dublin City Marathon last year. In October 2023, she took part in her second Dublin City Marathon, while in remission, and raised a staggering ¤22,300 for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in the process. Moreover, she ran the marathon in just over four hours and was the recipient of the Lord Mayor of Dublin Medal, which is presented to just one runner out of 22,000 participants.
Paying tribute to Rita, Mayo Roscommon Hospice CEO, Martina Jennings, said there had seldom been a more worthy recipient of any accolade. “I am so delighted to see Rita receiving this award and to be present with her on the day. It was incredibly well deserved. We were so proud to see her complete last year’s Marathon despite some really huge challenges. She is an absolute inspiration and we are incredibly thankful for all she has done for us. Rita, John, and their three girls, are always in our thoughts,” she added.
