Two members were honoured with the prestigious Gobnait O’Connell Award at this year’s ADC in Donegal.

Catherine Doyle, a clinical nurse specialist in complimentary therapies in St Vincent’s Centre in Limerick, and Mary Caldwell from Letterkenny General Hospital, both received the award, which is presented annually in memory of the late Gobnait O’Connell, who died tragically in a car accident some years ago. The prize recognises Gobnait’s contribution to nursing and midwifery in Ireland.

Catherine was nominated by the INMO’s RNID Section (Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disability) for her assistance to the INMO in negotiating local settlements in union and management disagreements.

Mary Fogarty, INMO Industrial Relations Officer in the region, said: “In recent times Catherine contributed extensively to a local agreement on cost savings of €400,000 under the Public Services Agreement.”

“Many members also benefit from her support and advice in relation to their individual queries and Catherine is always prompt to ensure that management comply with all local policies and procedures.”

Catherine said she was “very proud and honoured” to be presented with the award and thanked her colleagues for their nomination and her family for their support.

INMO president, Claire Mahon, presented clinical nurse specialist, Catherine Doyle, with the Gobnait O’Connell Award

Mary Caldwell, Letterkenny General Hospital nurse and Letterkenny Branch secretary, also received the Gobnait O’Connell Award

Mary Caldwell
Mary has worked in Letterkenny General Hospital permanently since 1990 in areas including Surgical Two, theatres, the discharge lounge and day services. She was nominated by her fellow branch members for the Gobnait O’Connell award.

She has been an extremely active INMO representative, championing the rights and entitlements of nurses and midwives there. Some years ago, she single-handedly prevented management at her hospital from opening the extension in Surgical Two until they increased the nursing and support staff levels that were required to staff the new extension safely.

Maura Hickey, INMO industrial relations officer in her area, said: “Mary is a stalwart, loyal INMO activist who is always there for members and continues to go beyond the call of duty.

Commenting on the award, Mary, who is the current secretary of the INMO Letterkenny Branch, said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been presented with this award and I would like to thank all my colleagues for nominating me.

She continued: “I would also like to thank my family who have supported me and given me the time and space to work on behalf of the INMO members and to advocate for patients.”

ADC - Stalwarts win Gobnait O’Connell awards