Cork's Sanctuary Runners present giant 'thank you' card to Lord Mayor

Sanctuary Runners have presented a special ‘thank you’ card to Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, to thank him for his support of their movement during his time in office.

Members of the award-winning solidarity-through-sport movement made the early-morning delivery yesterday.

A team of four Sanctuary Runners including Abdikadir Ibrahim, Annemarie Sheehan, Sibusisiwe Mhlophe, and the organisation’s founder Graham Clifford, presented Mr McCarthy with the card containing the names of some of the 300-strong Sanctuary Runners team taking part in this Sunday’s Cork City Marathon.

The card thanks Cork City Council for its support over the years and requests the city of Cork to continue to be a ‘safe harbour’ for those seeking safety and sanctuary in the city.

The Lord Mayor acknowledged the Sanctuary Runners as a movement that brings people together with a focus on health and wellbeing.

“Not only are they an incredible community group, but their goals and values weave perfectly into the human aspect of the Cork City Development Plan,” he said.

“The Sanctuary Runners embody health, community, integration, and wellbeing and demonstrate how Cork is a city of welcomes.

“I’ve always loved engaging with them, as they are so positive. The ‘thank you’ card is hugely appreciated.”

Founder of Sanctuary Runners, Graham Clifford, explained why it was important for them to thank the Lord Mayor and city council.

“Since day one back in 2018, Cork City Council has been so supportive of our efforts to bring people in the city together — no matter their nationality, legal status, religion, culture, gender, or sexual orientation,” he said.

“They have championed us, assisted us and promoted us, and in councillor Kieran McCarthy we really have a Lord Mayor who understands the importance of community integration. 

“The history of this beautiful city, which the Lord Mayor knows far better than most, is one of transition, of people coming and going, of influences from afar marrying with traditional ones.”