Tag Archives: Vicky Phelan

Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, health campaigner, Vicky Phelan told a Broadford author how grateful she was to be still able to complete mundane tasks like ironing and driving her children to school three and a half years before her untimely passing. Marie O’Connell had attended a charity event launched by Ciara McCullough for the Children’s Grief Centre in Limerick which Ms Phelan, who was a guest speaker, acknowledged her children would need after her death. Impressed by both Ms McCullough and Ms Phelan, Ms O’Connell contacted them after this event. On the night, Ms O’Connell stated it was funny, as the audience was waiting for Ms Phelan to arrive, it transpired she forgot she had an engagement because she was ironing, which she admitted during her talk. In an email to Ms Phelan, Ms O’Connell recalled how the two inspirational women had reminded people about the importance of living life to the full and acting on their beliefs …

THERE is “amazing interest” in next week’s arrival to Ennis of a portrait inspired by the courage of Vicky Phelan, according to local organisers of the event. The Vicky Phelan portrait tour featuring a painting of the Kilkenny woman on Clare’s Doonbeg beach, a location she described as her favourite place on earth, will visit Danlann An Chláir on Friday January 26 at 7pm. The event is hosted by Councillor Mary Howard in partnership with Clare Haven Services and Relay For Life Clare. As well as the display of the painting guest speakers on the night will include Vicky’s childhood friend David Brennan who bought the painting along with Clare healthcare campaigners John Wall and Caoimhe O’Neill- Forde. “Since we announced this very different event a couple of weeks ago there has been amazing interest in it. Vicky’s strength and frankness really struck a chord with so many people who admired her from afar, and this is an opportunity to …

Gort Cancer Support Group will host the Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour in Gort, in conjunction with the Lady Gregory Hotel, next week. The triptych portrait, painted by the renowned Irish artist, Vincent Devine, was inspired by Vicky Phelan’s incredible courage. Measuring an impressive 150 x 300 cms, Vicky Phelan’s life is conveyed as the past, present and future with the backdrop of Doonbeg beach in West Clare, which she described as her favourite place on earth. Vincent’s aim was to convey the tragedies and the joys in Vicky’s life, through symbolism in the anatomy of her body and different objects. The portrait was purchased at a charity auction by Vicky’s lifelong friend and fellow Kilkenny native, David Brennan. The two grew up together and their families share a close bond. David wanted to ensure the painting remained close to Vicky’s family and friends. Vicky was a prominent women’s health advocate prior to her death from cervical cancer in …

LONDON LADY Catherine had been planning to move back to the West of Ireland to enjoy a slower pace of life, when she found herself grappling with a cancer diagnosis.  It was the persuasion of her son that brought her to the door of Gort Cancer Support. Despite some initial hesitancy, Catherine crossed the threshold of Hollyblue House to discover services that have proven to be hugely beneficial to her. “I don’t know what to call them angels or saints,” she told The Champion. “When you come here you never talk about cancer and there’s a beautiful, peaceful vibe. You definitely feel better after a visit.” With welcome signs in English and Portuguese, Gort Cancer Support is a truly inclusive place. All kinds of services are available from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), prosthesis fittings, and reflexology to play therapy. Practical services are offered by a fleet of volunteer drivers who take people to appointments. The service is coordinated from this …

ANNUAL thanksgiving mass takes place at Gort Cancer Service, Hollyblue House, Gort Cancer Support on Friday (June 23) at 7.30pm. The mass, which will be celebrated by Fr Tommy Marrinan, is open to all. Music and refreshments will follow. Separately, the centre has described itself as honoured and privileged to host the Vicky Phelan Portrait in Gort in conjunction with the Lady Gregory Hotel. A panel discussion, featuring Quin’s John Wall, a close friend of Vicky’s, will take place on Friday, September 22, at 7pm. Clare McKenna, of Newstalk, will be the MC and panel discussion moderator for the evening. A statement from the centre described Vicky as “a hugely inspirational figure “. Portrait owner, David Brennan, is keeping her legacy alive by sharing her story and reminding younger generations of the importance of cervical cancer awareness.

Clare County Council has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the late cervical cancer campaigner, Vicky Phelan. The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Tony O’Brien, is inviting members of the public to sign the book and join people from all over Ireland and beyond in honouring Vicky’s legacy as “a remarkable person and a courageous and inspiring advocate for women’s health”. Councillor O’Brien said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Vicky Phelan. Vicky’s campaigning to expose the controversy around the national screening programme CervicalCheck gave voice to many women and reflected her immense courage, determination and dignity while facing her own illness. “In doing so, Vicky inspired us all. Vicky Phelan truly made an enduring contribution to Irish society. On behalf of the Elected Members and staff of Clare County Council, I wish to extend deepest condolences to Vicky’s family at this most difficult time.” Chief Executive of Clare County Council Pat Dowling …

A Quin-based terminally ill cancer patient has paid tribute to the late CervicalCheck campaigner, Vicky Phelan for leaving a legacy that will save lives in future generations. Ms Phelan, (48), who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014,  died early on Monday morning in Milford Hospice, Co Limerick surrounded by her family. The Kilkenny woman, who had moved to live in Limerick, exposed the controversy around the national screening programme CervicalCheck, where she and other women were not informed that cervical cancer smear test results showing them to be in the clear were actually inaccurate. Speaking from Milford Hospice on Monday, John Wall said while family and friends knew Vicky would die at some stage, they could never be prepared for losing someone who has left such an indelible mark on peoples’ lives. In the first instance, he said Vicky would be remembered as a great mother, wife, sister, who had left a grieving husband, Jim, and her children, Amelia …

CERVICAL cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died at the age of 48 in the loving embrace of her family. Ms Phelan, a resident of Annacotty in Limerick, died in Milford Hospice this Monday morning. She has for many years found refuge in Doonbeg in west Clare, where she owned a home as she battled against cancer and recuperated from the myriad treatments she undertook. Clare TD, Deputy Cathal Crowe said he was “heartbroken” to hear of the death of Ms Phelan this morning. “A debt of gratitude, perhaps greater than we will ever know, is owed to Vicky, Laura Brennan and all the other women whose lives were taken all too soon.” His Fianna Fail colleague Senator Timmy Dooley said in a post on social media, “So sad to learn of the passing of Vicky Phelan – such a wonderfully brave woman who made a positive impact on the lives of so many. May she rest in peace and may …