THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MEDAL TO MRS. ELLEN KEANE
WEDNESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER, 1993.
- I was delighted to be in a position to accept the invitation of the Irish Red Cross Society to present the Florence Nightingale Medal to Mrs. Ellen Keane on the occasion of my visit to Tipperary town.
- This is an occasion of immense pride and joy for all associated with the Irish Red Cross Society, particularly its Tipperary branch and of course for Mrs. Keane, her family and her colleagues here in the Welfare Home. Mrs. Keane has been nominated for this award for her exceptional dedication and pioneering work in the promotion of nursing care at home. The honour inherent in this nomination is a monumental one. In my term as President, I have come to appreciate profoundly the work of our nurses whether in institutional or community settings. The courage and selfless dedication of Irish nurses which I encountered in my visit to Somalia for instance, will always remain with me. The tremendous work of the nursing profession throughout the country brings so much comfort to those for whom daily life is a constant struggle against pain, loneliness, depression or debilitating illness.
- To be chosen from amongst such an esteemed and devoted body for an award of such distinction takes someone of truly heroic proportions. I don't believe that to be an overstatement because I value so highly all those whose vocation is the administration of care to the needy, weak and vulnerable in our community. This award represents a recognition not alone of the work of Mrs. Keane, but of the many like her who labour not for reward or acknowledgement but in the creation of a more caring society.
- As a people, we must all be conscious of our obligations to those among us who cannot look after themselves. In Ireland, we are extremely fortunate to be able to call on the commitment of individuals and groups who, at both national and local level, are prepared to devote so much time and energy to helping those in need of assistance. This is evidenced in our long tradition of community effort and voluntary commitment, complementing the activities of statutory agencies, which is still so vibrant today. It is so reassuring to know that the spirit of generosity that inspires people like Mrs. Keane is still alive and held in high regard by the people of Ireland.
- A look at Mrs. Keane's record of service to others indeed makes very impressive reading. What strikes me particularly is the commitment she has demonstrated to passing on to others the skills and selflessness that have guided her in her own career. Her role in setting up the Medical Centre and nursing records for the Bosnian refugees at Cherry Orchard Centre in Dublin and her position as secretary of the International Humanitarian Law Dissemination Sub Committee of the Irish Red Cross National Training Committee demonstrate a quality which I think is common to all volunteer carers; that of a feeling of communality with all, regardless of nationality, race, colour or creed.
- It is in her work with the elderly, however, that Mrs. Keane has particularly distinguished herself. Through her care, and promotion of care, for the elderly in their own homes, Mrs. Keane has, I am quite sure, brightened a great many lives in the Tipperary area. The simple everyday activities we take for granted such as dressing, washing and cooking can be an ordeal for many of our dependent elderly citizens. These are a dignified and proud people who don't wish to be a burden on their families or society, yet have a right to basic care and assistance in their own homes. In this country, we are fortunate to have in place, statutory health and welfare services of high standard. The capacity of these services to give full support to the dependent elderly in their own homes, however, can be frustrated by many constraints. The role of voluntary organisations, concerned citizens and family is therefore fundamental to the achievement of our aspiration as a society to fulfil our obligations to our elderly citizens. Without the work of Mrs. Keane and others like her, we would most likely fail in these obligations and for that, we owe her our gratitude.
- This award is still but a token of appreciation for the marvellous work that you, Mrs. Keane, have done. I know you are an inspiration to all those you have worked with and cared for. I offer you my heartiest personal congratulations on your receipt of this medal and long may your fine work continue.