by Tommy Curran
EILEEN Curran has retired after serving 30 years as a manger at the Gaoth Dobhair Day Care Centre at Derrybeg.
Eileen who hails from Magheraclogher, Derrybeg, has brought great vitality, respect and empathy to the centre and will be fondly remembered by the clients, volunteers and the committee. She always has a big smile and everyone entering the door of the centre was assured of a Céad Míle Fáilte. She also got on very well and was very popular with the catering and caring staff and the committee.
Eileen received her early education at Scoil Chonaill, Bunbeg and her post primary education at Ard Scoil Mhuire, Derrybeg. She later went on to train as a nurse at Altnagelvin. She then went to Glasgow to study and was awarded a diploma in Social Care from Langside College. Following her graduation she secured employment in the Dementia Unit of Red Hills Centre in Glasgow. In 1991 she saw an advert looking for a manager in the newly opened Day Care Centre at Derrybeg. She applied and was successful and she started in her new position in September 1991. She said the centre is a fantastic facility which provides two days for dementia patients and three days for senior citizens. Among the activities provided are, hot meals, exercise, chiropodist visit monthly, hairdressing, bingo, and music every evening.
Some of the former workers at the centre 30 years ago: [Seated Sadie O’Donnell and Kathleen McGarvey, with Micí Annie Ferry, and Connie O’Donnell.
“Not only that, we can cater for appointments at the doctor, shopping, post office or any other business required by the clients.”
Eileen pictured with her work colleagues.
She thanked everyone for their kindness, co-operation, assistance and help during the past 30 years.
Eileen said she loved coming into work every day and had made so many lifelong friends. She added that she is grateful to the Day Centre for the opportunities and the amazing people she met along the way. She will miss the comradeship at the centre and the good people that crossed her path over the years.
She complemented Fr. Michael Sweeney who was PP in Gaoth Dobhair at the time and his committee who were responsible for setting up the new Day Centre on a parcel of land which was kindly donated to the parish by a local woman in her will. Among those present at the presentation was her mum Kitty who is aged 95 years.
Mena Diver pictured with Eileen Curran.
A presentation in Eileen’s honour was held in the Day Centre on Friday. Mícheál Ó Duibhir, Chairman of the Day Centre committee, said Eileen will be greatly missed but she has left a legacy that the committee, staff, friends, families and community of Gaoth Dobhair can be proud of.
He said: “Eileen moved back here 30 years ago shortly after her marriage to Frank Curran, who was originally from Gortahork. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago, may he rest in peace. When she started in this centre it was an empty shell and we must be grateful to her for her hard work throughout her tenure as manager of this facility.
“She is always kind and helpful towards the clients and the individuals living in the units which is part of the centre. You are starting a new chapter in your life now and we wish you health, happiness, fun and goods wishes.”
Ann Cagney made a presentation to Eileen on behalf of the committee while Nellie Gallagher presented her with flowers.
The two Eileen’s having the craic at the presentation.
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