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Irish Independent
17-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
‘He eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans' – Arklow charity director steps down
After joining the branch in 2017 and committing his time, energy and can-do attitude to the cause, Damien's fellow volunteers recognised his diligence and dedication by electing him as their branch director in 2022. Taking on the busy position and learning as he went, Damien took the leadership role in his stride, working long hours on fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns and developing meaningful connections with communities on both sides of the Wicklow-Wexford border. Although no longer the branch director, Damien is still working away in the background with the branch and will return in an increased capacity after a brief break. In the meantime, he will be kept busy by his new role as chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch – a cause very close to his heart. Still on cloud nine after the 'amazing' reception he received at his celebratory bash, Damien said that it was a pleasure and an honour to work closely with so many like-minded and dedicated volunteers, adding that he is delighted that the charity is in the safe hands of new branch director Brigid Flynn. 'It was nice to see so many people there at the party, and I didn't expect to see such a turnout, with lots of volunteers and people who support Samaritans in attendance, and I'm so grateful to everyone at the branch,' he said. 'I enjoyed the role, and there were a lot of really positive things that happened over the last year, with lots of kindness and generosity from the community. 'It was just amazing to see what can come from an idea for an event, with people becoming more aware of it and our services, and the branch going from strength to strength because of it. Spreading the word about the charity and encouraging people to volunteer has been very rewarding. 'It is a busy role, but everyone's busy here, not just the branch director. All our volunteers give their role 100pc, and that's amazing to see. 'There's a kind of rule that you have to take a break and stay away for a little while after you step down, but I'll still be helping out here and there in the background, with the IT side and outreach activities, and I hope to return in an increased capacity in recruitment. 'I was offered the role of chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, which I was already part of, so it works out in a way that I have more free time to commit to that,' he continued. ADVERTISEMENT 'I'm not going anywhere, and will return to the Samaritans branch, which I'm delighted will now have Brigid as the branch director. 'She's very committed and has been involved in every area of the charity. She has given her all since day one, and I know she'll excel in the new role. 'I can see a bright future with Brigid at the helm, and I'll be very glad to be part of her team.' Returning the compliment, Brigid expects Damien will do great things in his new role at the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, adding that she is delighted she and East Coast Samaritans will still be able to call on his broad skill-set and vast knowledge. 'Damien is one in a million – he eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans and he's fully dedicated himself to us,' Brigid said. 'He led us brilliantly for three years, and is such an approachable guy who is so willing to help in every aspect of the branch. He puts everything into it, is very dedicated. He's a great communicator and speaker. No job fazes him, and if it does, he asks for help and digs in. 'I've worked with Damien for the past three years in outreach, fundraising and volunteer care. I am just so grateful that he's not leaving our branch, he's just changing roles, and he's staying with us on the board of trustees. 'I'm so delighted that Damien is staying with us. It's just wonderful for the branch that his expertise will still be here.'
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
See photos as Arklow bingo night raises €2,500 for local multiple sclerosis services
Calls of 'Kelly's eye', 'Doctor's orders' and 'Legs eleven' were heard echoing around the Arklow Bay Hotel when the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch hosted a bingo night that raised €2,500 to help support local people with multiple sclerosis (MS). With the legendary Dicey Reilly MC'ing as only he can, around 200 guests attended the joyous event, which featured entertainment, spot prizes and a huge raffle, with guests also learning about the impact of MS and how the community can come together to make a difference. The MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch is a dedicated branch of MS Ireland committed to providing support and resources to individuals living with MS and their families. The branch plays a vital role in raising awareness about MS and offering much-needed assistance to those affected by this condition. Delighted with the turnout at the bingo fundraiser, organising committee member Lesley Timmins thanked Dicey for MC'ing, praised the Arklow community for their generosity and explained plans for more local fundraisers in the future. 'We had about 200 people at the bingo, and raised about €2,500, so we're delighted with how the night went,' she said. 'The funds raised will support The MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch's services, which include therapies, counselling, financial aid, days out and social occasions – things like that. 'There are six of us on the committee, and we hope to have more regular fundraisers down in this part of the county, so that funds raised will benefit more people with MS in County Wicklow.' The Arklow MS Support Group hosts weekly coffee mornings on Thursdays at 11 am in the Arklow Bay Hotel, which offers peer support with others that understand what living with MS is like. New members with MS are always welcome.
