The death of Audrey Dickson at the age of 83 has deprived the Sutton area and her family and friends of a very special person. She played a central role in the life of Sutton Dinghy Club, and was regarded by many of the early participants as the encouraging “Fleet Mother” when the International Fireball dinghy began to establish itself as one of the most exciting classes in this country. This in turn led to her being at the heart of the organisation of two Fireball World Championships in Ireland.
She was the mother and grandmother of leading sailors, with her son David - who now lives in France – becoming a star in the Shannon One Designs during a period of working in Athlone, while her son Ian is also a noted racing sailor. Her grandson Cillian has been the central player in the campaigning of Howth YC’s Under-25 squad with the J/24 Kilcullen/Ireland’s Eye, tallying an impressive list of podium places to his credit at home and abroad - all of which his grandmother noted with special pride.
Audrey Dickson was the embodiment of the philosophy of just getting on with it – and cheerfully at that – regardless of what obstacles and setbacks life might put in one’s way. She had an exemplary fitness regime, and only a day or two before her sudden death, she’d been at the gym and then went on to have her regular swim in the sea beside Sutton Dinghy Club.
Our heartfelt condolences go to her extensive family and many friends in their sense of loss at this sudden ending to a life lived to the full.
WMN
