METROPOLITAN Mayor Daniel Butler this week honoured three women he described as “inspiring leaders in our city”.
Emma Langford, well-known local musician, was honoured for her mental health advocacy and for also being a strong voice for Limerick across the globe.
Sr Helen Culhane was honoured for her contribution to mental health and for contribution to Limerick society as a whole over her lengthy career characterised by caring for those who needed it.
Finally, Dr Jennifer McMahon of University of Limerick was honoured for her work in the area of mental health and for her contribution to Limerick society herself a recording artist.
Philip Mortell, chairperson of the Children’s Grief Centre spoke of Sr Helen’s lengthy career in Limerick. Outlining her relative late arrival into sisterhood Philip spoke of her work with organisations such as the Limerick Social Services Centre, Milford Care Centre and much more. It was out of her work with Milford Care Centre that she identified the need for support for children who lost their parents through death or who struggled with parental separation.
Claire Flynn of the Limerick Mental Health Association spoke of the inspiring leader Dr Jennifer McMahon was as their chairperson having just recently stepped down. She described how she has lead the project in to a place of growth and strength never once looking for recognition.
She also outlined her work with Jigsaw, in the community, the fact she is a published academic, a psychologist, recording artist having recently launch her a single under the name Jenni.
“She is a true leader and as a woman she inspires me and encourages me,” she said.
Valerie Dolan of Dolan’s Warehouse took to the stage to speak of her long relationship with Emma Langford outlining her consistent commitment to supporting local charities through her music and her voice. She said she consistently shares the story that is Limerick across the country and Europe as she prepares for her tour in Germany.
Metropolitan Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Daniel Butler described these three ladies are leaders
who will inspire future leaders from our young people.
“We should listen to what they have to say and more importantly how they say it. It all comes from a place that wants to make their city a better place looking for nothing in return.
“In a time our city is in transition these three women have their fingers on the pulse of that change and we must follow them and support them to continue to be the great voices they are for our city,” Mayor Butler concluded.
