Mary Whiston from Beaumont in County Dublin has been named a Hidden Hearing Hero at this year’s national awards presentation in Dublin.
Mary was among eleven national winners, recognised for ordinary and extraordinary acts of kindness, community and determination that make a difference in Irish society.
Retired now, Mary is originally from Laois and worked at Lanigan’s Funeral Home since 1985, where she went above and beyond to facilitate people in times of distress. She ensured the mourners were taken care of, making time to sit with them, console them, and guide them on the best way forward. Mary would come to the church the morning of the funeral, helping where she could, including giving Holy Communion.
Mary was nominated by her friend Maura who said that even though Mary has been retired for a few years now, people still seek her help and advice when someone passes, and she never lets them down.
“Mary goes down to Lanigan’s with them and sorts everything out. Nothing is any trouble for her; she is there, day and night, to give a helping hand and advice, when it is needed most. She really is one in a million.”
Celebrities from the world of TV and entertainment turned out to congratulate Mary Whiston and eleven other winners of the 2023 Hidden Hearing’ Heroes Awards in Dublin.
Kin star, Yasmin Seky, singer Daniel O’Donnell, TV personality Mary Kennedy, actress and new mum, Jenny Dixon, and TV presenters Emer O’Neill, Nuala Carey, and Alan Hughes, were among guests at the gala ceremony to acknowledge Ireland’s everyday superheroes, who do extraordinary things.
Stephen Leddy, Hidden Hearing’s Managing Director, said that people like Mrs Whiston are to be celebrated for their immense and selfless acts on behalf of their community.
“Our Age is no Barrier winner has a lifelong tradition of helping others. Mary’s dedication and commitment to people in the community who are dealing with loss, or seeking guidance, is truly inspiring and she deserves recognition” Stephen Leddy said.
The Hidden Hearing awards are open to everyone, young and old, from all walks of life, and with or without a hearing impairment.
Congratulating the winners, ceremony MC, Mary Kennedy told guests that the heroes awards scheme is supported by Hidden Hearing because, like our hearing, special people can sometimes be taken for granted and not fully appreciated.
“It is important to also acknowledge everyone who nominated these wonderful people. Our winners deserve recognition because, too often, we forget to recognise the ordinary people, doing extraordinary things, quietly, within their community or family,” Mary Kennedy said.
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