By Michelle Crean

Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan's act of kindness continued this week as the photographer and author donated money to two charities and presented a very special gift.

DONATION: Marie Carroll O'Sullivan (second from left) presenting the proceeds of her book ‘Behind The Mask’ €7,100 to Marie O'Carroll for Nathan's Walk Pieta House with from left: Patricia Mayse, Olivia Twohig, Tara Grace Twohig and Diane Collins Twohig, Marie O'Carroll (Pieta House), Tanya Coyne O'Shea of Eason Killarney, Cathal Walshe (Pieta House) and Garda Eddie Walsh at Eason Killarney. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

CHEQUE: Marie Carroll O'Sullivan (second from left) presenting the proceeds of her book ‘Behind The Mask’ €7,100 to (right) Kathleen O'Shea, Kathrina Breen, Eugene O'Sullivan and Elenor O'Doherty from the Kerry branch of the Irish Cancer Society, with (from left) Garda Jason Sheehan, Olivia Twohig, Tara Grace Twohig and Diane Collins Twohig at Eason Killarney. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

She gave two cheques for €7,100 each to the Irish Cancer Society and also to Pieta, Nathan's Walk - the proceeds from her lockdown book 'Behind the Mask'.

But not only that, she gifted a copy to Diane Collins Twohig local community Garda and wife of the late Garda Paudie Twohig. And inside was very personal as Marie had asked the people who featured in the book to sign it - together with the signatures of the Gardai on both of their units.

"Marie Carroll O’Sullivan isn’t just a dreamer, she’s a believer and a doer," Diane said this week.
"'Behind the Mask' is an incredible piece of work, Marie you have found the positive side of the pandemic and captured the very spirit of what has got all of us through the last two years. It's when things seems worse that you must not quit. I am so grateful for all that Paudie and I had. I move forward each day, although heartbroken with that in mind he lived for our girls and for us, I cherish that and we live on. To help others, to give back and thank all that supported us and continue to do so makes me so happy. I know that Paudie is smiling down on us, and like me, is so proud that we could be part of this fantastic project," she said.

"A broken heart opens you to the very core, it leaves sharp and very jagged edges but the kindnesses and support I have received has helped round and smooth these, this has gotten me through the hard days and the nights that feel like forever. So, from the bottom of my broken heart, I thank you, the people of Killarney town, the Irish Cancer Society, its supporters and Marie Carroll O’Sullivan for all that you are and all that you do."

Marie O'Carroll from Pieta House - Nathan's Walk also thanked Marie for her donation.

“As parents of Nathan we are humbled that Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan chose Nathan's Walk for Pieta House as one of three beneficiaries from the sales of her book ‘Behind the Mask’. We are delighted to accept the cheque for such a worthy cause that's close to our hearts. Each year since 2011, in the month of May, we organise the walk in honour of Nathan. The monies raised through this means, and through Marie's kind donation, it will help provide a free therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self harm.”

Eugene O'Sullivan from the Kerry branch of the Irish Cancer Society said that Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan "keeps giving".

"During lockdown Marie was on her bike with her camera photographing people and bringing a smile to their faces. She came up with the amazing idea to put photos together and produce 'Behind the Mask', of which she has made the Irish Cancer Society a beneficiary and we will be forever grateful for that.”