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Story Notes
Mary Murphy is 48-years-old, and has been with Cope Foundation services in Cork since 1967.
During the week she lives in supported accommodation, and at weekends returns to her family home in Charleville, Co. Cork. She attends an adult day centre where she has a programme of activities designed to suit her needs, abilities and interests.
Mary is a keen athlete, and has been a dedicated recreational and competitive runner for over 20 years. She has competed in many Special Olympic track and field events, winning medals on every occasion. In 2005, she was selected to represent Ireland on the final leg of the Torch Run in the World Special Olympic Winter Games held in Japan.
Mary has a passion for music, and enjoys singing, playing the tin whistle and the harp. She has performed in Cork City Hall, Cork Opera House, Cork School of Music and for President Mary McAleese in Áras an Uachtarán.
Mary is renowned for knitting ability and the complexity of the items she produces. Her knitted sweaters, dolls and soft toys are much sought after and treasured by those who possess them.
Mary has always responded well to the various skills she has been taught – mainly because of her great patience and commitment. Her talents have been nurtured and appreciated by her family, house parents, Cope Foundation staff and by her weekly involvement in Cork Music Works.
400,000, or 1 in 10 Irish people have some form of disability. Intellectually disabled people are only one group, but their voice is one seldom heard. Mary however, is well able to speak for herself and in this programme she tells her own story.
'Mary' is produced by Sarah Blake.
Sound Supervision by Anton Timoney.
Production Supervision Annick Lesage.
This documentary was made as part of the European Master School of Radio Features.The programme makers would like to thank to all the clients and staff at the The Cope Foundation and the Murphy family.
First broadcast Sept 26th 2009
An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries
Story Credits