Founder of Athy's Cuan Mhuire  conferred with honorary doctorate

THE woman responsible for the Cuan Mhuire rehab centre just outside of Athy Sister Consilio has been conferred with an honorary doctorate from Munster Technological University (MTU) in Tralee.

Sr Consilio was in august company as she shared the day with former Government Minister, and five-time All-Ireland winner Jimmy Deenihan.

The honorary accolades were conferred in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Irish society, community development and public service, and were presented at MTU’s autumn conferring ceremonies held recently at MTU Kerry North campus in Tralee.

Sr Consilio was honoured for her lifelong dedication to helping others and her pioneering work in establishing Cuan Mhuire in Athy in 1966.

Over six decades, the organisation has expanded to provide services across Ireland, supporting people affected by addiction and their families.

Raised in the parish of Brosna, County Kerry, Sr Consilio (then Eileen Fitzgerald) trained as a nurse in Cork before joining the Sisters of Mercy in Athy.

Her work has been recognised through numerous honours, including Kerry Person of the Year and the Oireachtas Human Dignity Award.

As Sr Consilio was unable to attend the ceremony, the honorary doctorate was accepted on her behalf by her sister, Sr Agnes Fitzgerald.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition from Munster Technological University,” said Sr Consilio later.

“When I founded Cuan Mhuire 60 years ago, my hope was to create a place where people struggling with addiction could find compassion, understanding and the opportunity for a new beginning.

“What has been achieved since then has only been possible through the dedication of so many people who have worked alongside me, and the courage of those who have come to us for help.

“I accept this honour with great gratitude on behalf of everyone who has been part of that journey.” “Sister Consilio and Jimmy Deenihan have each made a lasting contribution to Irish society,” said Professor Maggie Cusack, President of MTU.

“For 60 years, Dr Sister Consilio’s pioneering work through Cuan Mhuire has offered support and hope to people facing addiction.” Prof Cusack added: “both have demonstrated a commitment to creating opportunities and making a positive impact in people’s lives, values that we are very proud to recognise today”.