Charity
Limerick and Tipperary Samaritans celebrate 50 years of listening
Samaritans Limerick and Tipperary celebrate 50 years in Limerick. Active volunteers with 25 – 50 years volunteering with Samaritans Limerick – Antoinette, Mairead, Jean, Margaret, Christopher, Gerardine, Catherine, Jim, Tom, Sheila and Brendan
Samaritans volunteers in Limerick celebrate 50 years of being a listening ear for those in need
Established in 1975, the fourth Samaritans branch to open in Ireland after Dublin, Cork and Belfast, the Limerick & Tipperary branch is busier than ever.
Speaking about reaching the milestone, a Samaritans Limerick and Tipperary spokesperson said, “We want to thank local people and businesses whose contributions have kept our lights on since 1975. We also thank the thousands of volunteers who have given their time to help our callers get through dark times.”
Having cared for the public in a world which has changed dramatically over the last half century, the Samaritans helpline is as vital as ever.
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They said, “We are deeply proud of the 115 active volunteers who deliver the service, including Sheila who has been with us since the beginning in 1975. To celebrate this amazing milestone, the branch recently held a service awards ceremony for its volunteers.”
As part of the celebration, the group were grateful to receive a letter from Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, which highlighted the important role the volunteers and the Samaritans service play in our communities.
They saod, “A letter from President Higgins eloquently expressing the importance of the Samaritans’ service to our community, proved a highlight of the event. A lovely speech from Stephanie Walsh from the founding committee in 1975 gave a great insight into how the branch was set up.”
Taking the opportunity to thank those who have supported the charity over the years, the group said, “We are particularly grateful to BDO Limerick, Unity Credit Union, SES Water Management, Kirby Group Engineering, H&MV Engineering and SES Shannon Engine Support for their generous donations towards this event.”
Adding, “Special thanks to Troy Marketing and Shannon Rowing Club for their goodwill in providing their services free of charge. With such strong local support and dedicated volunteers, we look forward to being there for our callers for another 50 years.”
Supporting people in Ireland since 1961, its volunteers have had millions of potentially life-saving conversations with callers through its freephone phone helpline, email, face-to-face support and outreach in communities, schools, festivals and prisons.
Samaritans has 24 locations across Ireland and Northern Ireland, which are run independently by a network of volunteers
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