After a hiatus of over two and a half years, Oíche Chiarraí, the flagship event of the Kerry Association in Dublin, has finally taken place with highly regarded palliative care specialist Dr Patricia Sheahan crowned Kerry Person of the Year.
A great crowd in the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin on Saturday night and Dr Sheahan shared centre stage with the Sam Maguire cup.
President of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Michael O’Regan, also presented the Listowel Tidy Towns Committee with the Laochra Chiarraí – Kerry Heroes – award on the night but pride of place went to Dr Patricia in recognition of her remarkable dedication to her work with seriously ill patients.
Listowel native, Patricia Sheahan, qualified as a doctor in 1989 and has since made a significant contribution to Kerry life.
She has worked as the palliative medicine consultant in Kerry for the past 20 years and, alongside the Kerry Hospice Foundation, she has helped develop a fully integrated palliative care service for the people of Kerry.
During her tribute to Dr Sheahan, Kerry Association Chairperson Keelin Kissane, noted that the award was presented in recognition of the enormous contribution she has made to Kerry.
“She has touched the lives of most families in the county and those families attest to her extraordinary sensitivity and compassion and going above and beyond the call of duty.
“She provides a special comfort at such a very difficult and emotional time and that’s something that the families of those in her care never forget,” Ms Kissane said.
Michael O’Regan (president), Keelin Kissane (chairperson), Maurice Moynihan, Liz Gaire,
John Horgan and Seán O’Donnchú
A large crowd of Patricia’s family and friends were in attendance on the night to see her collect the Kerry Person of the Year perpetual trophy as well as a painting by Tralee artist, John Hurley.
Laochra Chiarraí recipients, the Listowel Tidy Towns Group, are exemplary leaders in community activity. Founded in 1993, they work tirelessly to keep Listowel looking beautiful and their community spirit over the last 30 years has led to the town winning awards at county, national and international level.
To add to the celebrations, loyal Kerry Association supporter, Fr Tony Gaughan, also celebrated his 90th birthday on the night.
The Kerry Association in Dublin dates back to 1951 and it was established as a way to celebrate the people, culture and the sporting achievements of Kerry people and to bind together people from Kerry who have made Dublin their home.
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