Latest news with #GoreyLibrary
Irish Independent
07-08-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
East Coast Samaritans highlight 24/7 service after caller inspires new campaign
After completing a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day on July 24 last year, to show Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 22-year-old Nathan inspired this year's 'Shush For Samaritans' – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity, along with challenges for gamers, crafters and Taylor Swift fans (details on Funds raised will support branches across Ireland, including East Coast Samaritans, which prevents suicide through the power of human connection, and had stands at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow and Gorey Library on July 24 to raise awareness of the service. 'I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one - always trying to put a smile on people's faces,' Athlone man Nathan said. 'But that didn't mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there. 'They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. I never felt judged - only supported. 'Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I've become.' Noting how Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for the charity, East Coast Samaritans branch director Brigid Flynn said that they want to get the message out that Samaritans are there 24 hours a day for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope on freephone 116 123. 'It remains a challenging time for many people, and we want to remind the public that they are not alone – our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing,' Brigid said. Deputy director of outreach, Linda McCormick, added: 'We were delighted with the support shown to us in July, in the run-up to 24/7. 'Every time someone stops to talk to us at a stand, our message is spread - you are never alone when you can call Samaritans.' Local craftaholic, CJ Cassin from Arklow, took part in a 24hr crafting challenge raising additional funds and awareness, with East Coast Samaritans also kindly donated a tree by Dublin Samaritans to mark 24/7 2025 – a gesture of solidarity between branches, or 'A Tree of Hope'. You can contact Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone, even a mobile without credit, on 116 123. The number won't show up on your phone bill. You can also email jo@ or visit for more info. To volunteer with Samaritans visit
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford poet on the crest of a wave as second book set to be published
Regina Redmond from Gorey is to follow up the publication of her first book of poetry Buried Deep is the Child with a second book to be published in the Autumn for which she already had a fresh batch of healing poems. She has also confirmed that she is currently working on a project to adapt the poems in both collections for a musical CD in collaboration with Wexford musicians. The CD is being produced by Hot Press music writer Jackie Hayden who lives in the south of the county. Since publishing Buried Deep is the Child, subtitled A Healing Journey, Regina has spoken in several venues, including Gorey Library and The Solas Cabin outside Arklow. She said: 'I like to see my poems as shedding light on the path I have taken from darkness into the light of recovery following my traumatic childhood. Writing has a therapeutic value for me and publishing them was somehow liberating. Now, since the healing power of music has long been established, it seems that adding music is a logical and valuable next step for me as I continue onward on my exploratory journey with my second collection.' News of Regina's work has travelled as far as Mobile, Alabama in the USA where CeCe Redmond (no relation) of the Redmond Heritage Press wrote 'Regina Redmond transforms her journey through trauma into a beacon of hope, healing, and awakening. Through courage, faith, and forgiveness, she discovered the warrior within — and now inspires others to find their light and their voice. Regina's path reminds us that even through the darkest experiences, resilience and renewal are possible.' Regina adds, 'When I first set out on my journey to publish my poems I never dreamed it would attract such international interest and an encouragingly positive response. It's been a hugely worthwhile and rewarding adventure for me beyond any dreams I might have had.' Buried Deep is the Child- A Healing Journey is published by Carol Boland of Boland Press and it has resonated deeply with those who love poetry that comes from the heart. But it has also attracted a very positive and appreciative response from others who have suffered childhood trauma.
