Remembering Vicky Phelan

Photo: Leah Farrell | Credit: RollingNews.ie | Copyright: RollingNews.ie

This week in DDLETB and across all the Education and Training Boards of Ireland, we are standing up for the rights of individuals & tackling bullying and promoting our ETHOS and core values: Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community and Respect.

So it seems particularly appropriate to remember Vicky Phelan, a woman who was clearly infused with each of these values.

It is rare that a single person has such an impact on the public in the way that Vicky Phelan had. Her determination to confront wrongdoing and her strength to not back down in the face of her own illness and difficult circumstances have inspired so many of us in Ireland.

She gave a voice to women who were suffering in silence. Through her tireless efforts, she has improved the safety and protection of women’s healthcare now and for future generations. She was not afraid to speak truth to a powerful medical establishment. She exposed a scandal in Irish healthcare and made it better for everyone.

In the words of our President, Michael D. Higgins :

“All of us who had the privilege of meeting Vicky will have been struck by the powerful inner strength and dignity with which she not only faced her own illness, but with the sense of commitment to the public good and the rights of others with which she campaigned.

“Vicky, in all of this, made an enormous contribution to Irish society. Thanks to her tireless efforts, despite the terrible personal toll she herself had to carry, so many women’s lives have been protected, and will be protected in the future.”

Our sincere condolences to Vicky’s family, friends and all the people who loved her.