Annual Delegate Conference 2019
Thank you to all who travelled near and far to attend the 48th Annual Delegates Conference Wexford on the 2nd and 3rd of May. A big thank you in particular to the Wexford branch for their hospitality and to all delegates and guests who contributed to the conference making it another great success.
We would like to thank all those who presented at this year’s ADC. Deirdre Mulligan & Anne Brennan Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development, who provided an insightful overview of planning frameworks, clinical supervision and quality care metrics. Nursing students from Dundalk IT, enlightened delegates with a relevant and interesting presentation about LGBTQ and mental health. The moving story of the O’Toole family was shared by the three confident and competent O’Toole sisters, the driving force behind ‘Jacinta’s Smile’- a charity who provide sibling bereavement support through adventure days, peer support and subsidised therapy. It was an honour this year to host Senator Joan Freeman at conference. Senator Freeman was the chairperson of the joint oireachtas committee on the future of mental health, whose final report was very much welcomed by the PNA in 2018. Senator Freeman addressed conference and gave a refreshingly honest account of the work of the committee and the challenges that lie ahead for the mental health services in Ireland.
The John Gahan Award for best motion, was awarded to Sinead Frain for her well prepared and entertaining motion regarding Dublin weighting. The Gantley Award was awarded to the very deserving Breege Calaghan for her significant achievements to date and her ongoing commitment to fairness and justice. Maith thú Breege!
Congratulations to all candidates who were elected and re-elected to the officer board at this year’s ADC. The officer board is now formed as follows;
Chairperson Tracy Quigley, Laois/Offaly MHS *
Vice-Chairperson Liam Hamill, St Ita’s Portrane *
National Secretary Niall O’Sullivan, Forensic MHS Dundrum *
National Treasurer John Hughes, South Tipperary MHS
Trustees Andy Myler, St Brendan’s MHS *
HSE Dublin North Mick Guilfoyle, St Ita’s Portrane *
HSE Dublin South Collette Walsh, Kildare MHS *
HSE Dublin East Declan Duffy, Forensic MHS Dundrum **
HSE Mid-West Denis Meehan, Clare MHS
HSE South East Sandra Forristal, Kilkenny MHS
HSE Midlands Ollie Byrne, Laois/ Offaly MHS
HSE South Donal Spillane, Cork CAMHS *
HSE West Damien Conlon, West Galway MHS
HSE North East Martin Slavin, Ardee MHS
HSE North West Lorraine Hogan, Sligo/Leitrim MHS *
Private/ Voluntary Hospitals Eoin Ward, St. Patrick’s Hospital *
Intellectual Disability Liam Hamill, St Ita’s Portrane
*Elected / re-elected at ADC 2019
**Appointed as previous position holder was elected into positon of National Secretary
We would like to take the opportunity to wish Mary Walsh and Noel Giblin the very best for the future following their service to the officer board and thank them for all their dedication and hard work over the past number of years. Go n-eirí an t-ádh libh!
And finally we look forward to welcoming you all back next year to the 49th Annual Delegates Conference in The Slieve Russel Hotel, Cavan, on the 2nd & 3rd April 2020.
