My Greystones: Mark Mitchell

You always have to admire people who overcome adversity and learn not only how to cope with the crap life has thrown at them but how to be happy too. Genuinely happy.

One such person is Greystones maverick Mark Mitchell. Always smiling, always laughing, always happy.

And all this despite the fact that Mark is one incredibly unattractive man.

We’re talking Serge Gainsbourg gargoyle here. We’re talking Sean Haughey hideous. And yet, there’s Mark, smiling from ear to ear, from dawn to dusk.

Yep, you’ve got to respect people who can overcome such major obstacles in life.

Then again, here at GG HQ, we’ve always liked how Mark Mitchell rolls.

There’s a swagger about the guy, a glint in the eye that suggests that there’s a hidden turbo button somewhere on his wheelchair and, any minute now, Mark is going to burn some serious rubber as he does a wheelie through the fire exit. Baby, he was born to run. Down Church Road, most likely, one of Mark’s favourite Greystones hang-outs. Talk about good taste.

This is a man who clearly knows a good thing when he sees it.

A good thing like Thin Lizzy, and Springsteen, and Greystones, and a certain hot young lass from Mayo by the name of Rosaleen. A name so close to Rosalie (and not all that far from Rosalita, come to think of it) it was clearly destiny.

Rather than just do the traditional bio blurb here, we decided it would be wiser to ask Mark and Rosaleen’s sweet daughter, Emma, to fill us in on just how wonderful her dad is…

Although regularly spotted sporting the green and red of Mayo, Mark is actually born and bred in Blackrock, Co.Dublin. The wearing of the green and red comes from 33 years of marriage to a Mayo lady has made him wise beyond his years!

Reident in Greystones for 24 years with his wife and four children, Mark is a lifelong Everton fan, stamp collector and music fan, and still regularly attends Bruce Springteen and Thin Lizzy tribute gigs – to name but a few.

Despite having to retire early due his Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Mark certainly enjoys a very ACTIVE retired life, and never sees his MS as an obstacle or excuse. His family constantly hear the phrase “No is not an option – we’ll find a way” as his answer to any blips that arise when trying to access the many unaccessible buildings in Ireland.

Mark is a keen bridge player and has earned the nickname Mark The Shark from his peers at the local bridge centre. He is an active member of numerous clubs and committees; creative writing club, yoga, MS East Wicklow branch, Greystones Swimming Club… the list goes on. Despite his busy schedule, Mark still always finds time to lunch and chat with his many local fans. It has been noted by many a passerby that these dates are, 90% of the time, with the fairer sex!

Mark always has a broad smile, a devilish laugh and something positive to say to all who stop to chat. A true warm, kind and gentle soul of Greystones, it’s no wonder he was awarded the Greystones Special Person of the Year award in 2011, and the MS Person Of The Year award later that same year.

Reckon we’ve found ourselves another contender for GG’s Greystones Person of The Year 2016. Vote early, vote often. And if you do meet Mark out on the streets, try not to mention his ugly mug. Especially if he’s with one of his many sexy mistresses.