On the 15th February 2018 in the Clayton Hotel, Limerick, eleven nominees for the Limerick Person of the Year 2017 gathered to hear who had won the award.
Lunch was served to all nominees and Michael Noonan TD who was in attendance to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. To everyone’s delight Sr. Helen Culhane received the honour of receiving the Limerick Person of the Year 2017 Award. This award recognises all the work Helen, the support workers and volunteers at the Children’s Grief Centre do in helping grieving children and young people deal with the feelings associated with loss and to realise that they are not alone.
Sr. Helen and Michael Noonan TD with their awards
The centre was founded in 2009 and sees over 30 children a week aged between 4 and 18 years. There are approximately 30 volunteers associated with the centre including a play therapist, art therapist and psychotherapist.
Sr. Helen Culhane, Limerick Person of the Year 2017
In her acceptance speech, Sr. Helen said ‘I’m shocked to be quite honest and very humbled to receive this award. Thanks to every one of you and to all those who organised the event today.’
‘The work that I’m involved with, we see it as very important work as we are supporting children who are impacted by loss due to bereavement, separation and divorce and if by winning this award it draws attention to that work, it will be a goal achieved.’
To watch a video of Sr. Helen being interviewed by I Love Limerick at the awards ceremony, click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=dy9w47mLHtA
Daniel McConnell, Political Editor for the Irish Examiner heard Sr. Helen’s interview on Today with Sean O’Rourke on RTE Radio and it inspired him to write a very poignant article. To read the article, click on the link below:
Congratulations to Helen and all at the Children’s Grief Centre!
Denise Brennan
CLT Offices
