‘He eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans' – Arklow charity director steps down
After joining the branch in 2017 and committing his time, energy and can-do attitude to the cause, Damien's fellow volunteers recognised his diligence and dedication by electing him as their branch director in 2022.
Taking on the busy position and learning as he went, Damien took the leadership role in his stride, working long hours on fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns and developing meaningful connections with communities on both sides of the Wicklow-Wexford border.
Although no longer the branch director, Damien is still working away in the background with the branch and will return in an increased capacity after a brief break. In the meantime, he will be kept busy by his new role as chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch – a cause very close to his heart.
Still on cloud nine after the 'amazing' reception he received at his celebratory bash, Damien said that it was a pleasure and an honour to work closely with so many like-minded and dedicated volunteers, adding that he is delighted that the charity is in the safe hands of new branch director Brigid Flynn.
'It was nice to see so many people there at the party, and I didn't expect to see such a turnout, with lots of volunteers and people who support Samaritans in attendance, and I'm so grateful to everyone at the branch,' he said.
'I enjoyed the role, and there were a lot of really positive things that happened over the last year, with lots of kindness and generosity from the community.
'It was just amazing to see what can come from an idea for an event, with people becoming more aware of it and our services, and the branch going from strength to strength because of it. Spreading the word about the charity and encouraging people to volunteer has been very rewarding.
'It is a busy role, but everyone's busy here, not just the branch director. All our volunteers give their role 100pc, and that's amazing to see.
'There's a kind of rule that you have to take a break and stay away for a little while after you step down, but I'll still be helping out here and there in the background, with the IT side and outreach activities, and I hope to return in an increased capacity in recruitment.
'I was offered the role of chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, which I was already part of, so it works out in a way that I have more free time to commit to that,' he continued.
ADVERTISEMENT
'I'm not going anywhere, and will return to the Samaritans branch, which I'm delighted will now have Brigid as the branch director.
'She's very committed and has been involved in every area of the charity. She has given her all since day one, and I know she'll excel in the new role.
'I can see a bright future with Brigid at the helm, and I'll be very glad to be part of her team.'
Returning the compliment, Brigid expects Damien will do great things in his new role at the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, adding that she is delighted she and East Coast Samaritans will still be able to call on his broad skill-set and vast knowledge.
'Damien is one in a million – he eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans and he's fully dedicated himself to us,' Brigid said.
'He led us brilliantly for three years, and is such an approachable guy who is so willing to help in every aspect of the branch. He puts everything into it, is very dedicated. He's a great communicator and speaker. No job fazes him, and if it does, he asks for help and digs in.
'I've worked with Damien for the past three years in outreach, fundraising and volunteer care. I am just so grateful that he's not leaving our branch, he's just changing roles, and he's staying with us on the board of trustees.
'I'm so delighted that Damien is staying with us. It's just wonderful for the branch that his expertise will still be here.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
02-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Building Advice: How do I go about relocating my home's boiler when converting my garage?
Hi Brigid, I am planning to convert my garage and extend my kitchen to a size that exempts me from having to apply for planning permission. The garage would be moved back to join with the back wall of the kitchen, which would then be extended sideways. The garage would be converted to a home office. One problem is that the boiler house is in a small concrete shed just behind the garage. It will have to be accommodated within the extension. It will need to be replaced, probably with another oil boiler as I can't afford an air-to-water heat pump. Can you advise me? Cormac. Dear Cormac, Repurposing rarely used floor space is the most worthwhile thing to do to increase area within your house. Our climate is temperate, so cars can be left outside. Converting your garage to a home office and extending your kitchen to create a more open, usable space is smart, both for day-to-day living and for property value. Staying within the size limits that avoid planning permission saves time. Nevertheless, look at the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 — Schedule 2, Part 1; Exempt Development; General — to ensure the work is compliant. The planning section of your local authority's website or its planning department should be able to help you. You can submit a Section 5 to see if what you wish to do is exempt and you will get a response. If you or your family wish to sell in the future, you will have this resolved. You're right to flag the issue of the boiler. Heating systems are often overlooked in home renovation plans and this can lead to design headaches or unexpected costs. Old boilers are bulky, noisy, and require specific clearances. They are also greasy and ugly. But placing them externally and under a proprietary cover means they can simply sit on your footpath. External placement means they don't take up any floor space. One solution is to construct a new garage or a boiler house. There are also garage exemptions, but cross check these with planning conditions, because adding a detached shed or garage may not be exempt. If a heat pump isn't within the budget, oil is still a valid option, especially where you have no access to natural gas. I would suggest you replace the boiler with a condensing oil boiler. This must have an efficiency of 90%+. They tend to be quieter, more compact, and lessen heat losses when piping from the external. If you wish to have the boiler indoors, then you have to consider your utility space. With the extension, you may be able to carve out a utility room where a new boiler could be housed. This requires proper flue management and ventilation, but makes maintenance easier. But be sure your builder and heating installer work together to comply with part J of the building regulations, which govern heating appliances and fuel storage. Depending on your extension and your site, your oil tank may have to be repositioned to ensure compliance, while maintaining the flow of your new garden or extension layout. If you must relocate the oil tank, it must be sited safely away from doors, windows, and heat sources. It should be located on a non-combustible, level base. Your builder may need to install a fire barrier if the tank is near the house. You also need to make sure it remains accessible for deliveries. Even if a heat pump isn't feasible now, think about future-proofing your build to save thousands if you switch later. Run ducting or pipe chases to potential outdoor unit locations during the build. Leave space in your hot press for a hot water cylinder with a heat-pump coil. Make sure any new radiators or underfloor heating circuits are low-temperature compatible, to suit oil-condensing boilers and future heat pumps. This flexibility leaves the door open for SEAI-supported upgrades, reducing heating bills and your carbon footprint. If you're open to something in between oil and heat pumps, consider LPG boilers. These are cleaner than oil and have similar costs and footprint. They do require a bulk gas tank, which is subject to spacing rules, but is often easier to integrate. Electric boilers are compact and have zero flue requirements. They are best suited for small, well-insulated homes or for back-up heating. They can be expensive to run, unless paired with solar PV and day/night electricity tariffs. Also, you could combine an oil boiler with a small heat pump. The heat pump handles base heating needs, and the boiler kicks in during high demand. Talk to a registered SEAI contractor or a local BER assessor. They'll be able to advise you on the sustainable options. But get independent guidance, like a chartered building surveyor, to assess your building's needs and compliance issues. Brigid Browne is a chartered building surveyor and owner/ managing director of Cashel-based Fortress Planning, which offers a range of services including assigned certifier, design certifier, building surveyor, and conservation consultancy to clients all over the country. Brigid Browne is a chartered building surveyor and chair of the Southern Region of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. She is the owner/ managing director of Cashel-based Fortress Planning, which offers a range of services including assigned certifier, design certifier, building surveyor, and conservation consultancy to clients all over the country — If you have a property related query or issue you would like to raise with Brigid, please email irishexaminerpropertyqueries@
Irish Independent
17-05-2025
- Irish Independent
‘He eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans' – Arklow charity director steps down
After joining the branch in 2017 and committing his time, energy and can-do attitude to the cause, Damien's fellow volunteers recognised his diligence and dedication by electing him as their branch director in 2022. Taking on the busy position and learning as he went, Damien took the leadership role in his stride, working long hours on fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns and developing meaningful connections with communities on both sides of the Wicklow-Wexford border. Although no longer the branch director, Damien is still working away in the background with the branch and will return in an increased capacity after a brief break. In the meantime, he will be kept busy by his new role as chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch – a cause very close to his heart. Still on cloud nine after the 'amazing' reception he received at his celebratory bash, Damien said that it was a pleasure and an honour to work closely with so many like-minded and dedicated volunteers, adding that he is delighted that the charity is in the safe hands of new branch director Brigid Flynn. 'It was nice to see so many people there at the party, and I didn't expect to see such a turnout, with lots of volunteers and people who support Samaritans in attendance, and I'm so grateful to everyone at the branch,' he said. 'I enjoyed the role, and there were a lot of really positive things that happened over the last year, with lots of kindness and generosity from the community. 'It was just amazing to see what can come from an idea for an event, with people becoming more aware of it and our services, and the branch going from strength to strength because of it. Spreading the word about the charity and encouraging people to volunteer has been very rewarding. 'It is a busy role, but everyone's busy here, not just the branch director. All our volunteers give their role 100pc, and that's amazing to see. 'There's a kind of rule that you have to take a break and stay away for a little while after you step down, but I'll still be helping out here and there in the background, with the IT side and outreach activities, and I hope to return in an increased capacity in recruitment. 'I was offered the role of chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, which I was already part of, so it works out in a way that I have more free time to commit to that,' he continued. ADVERTISEMENT 'I'm not going anywhere, and will return to the Samaritans branch, which I'm delighted will now have Brigid as the branch director. 'She's very committed and has been involved in every area of the charity. She has given her all since day one, and I know she'll excel in the new role. 'I can see a bright future with Brigid at the helm, and I'll be very glad to be part of her team.' Returning the compliment, Brigid expects Damien will do great things in his new role at the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, adding that she is delighted she and East Coast Samaritans will still be able to call on his broad skill-set and vast knowledge. 'Damien is one in a million – he eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans and he's fully dedicated himself to us,' Brigid said. 'He led us brilliantly for three years, and is such an approachable guy who is so willing to help in every aspect of the branch. He puts everything into it, is very dedicated. He's a great communicator and speaker. No job fazes him, and if it does, he asks for help and digs in. 'I've worked with Damien for the past three years in outreach, fundraising and volunteer care. I am just so grateful that he's not leaving our branch, he's just changing roles, and he's staying with us on the board of trustees. 'I'm so delighted that Damien is staying with us. It's just wonderful for the branch that his expertise will still be here.'
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Saving friend's life inspired Tipperary woman's Darkness Into Light fundraising
Denise O'Connor was inspired to take part in the Thurles walk after she helped save the life of a friend who attempted suicide. 'I used to live with an owner occupier and he went through a really, really, dark time at one point,' she explained. 'Unfortunately, he did attempt, and we were lucky enough to save him. "So it is very close to my heart because I did live with this experience during my years in Dublin. We're so lucky that we got there in time.' Denise had to phone 999 after they found him. The ambulance came just in time to save him. 'It was kind of heartbreaking that he wanted to leave the world. I think it's really important to make people aware that there are people you can talk to. You have the Samaritans, you have counselling. It's not the only way out. 'People are there to help. Help is a very important word. It's a four letter word. Once you say it, it can just be a release.' Denise, who is from Cashel, took part in last year's walk too, and she can see how it helps survivors, and families who are impacted. 'I think when you see a massive community coming together, and people getting up - taking time out of their weekend, most people are socialising on a Friday night – but these people are getting up at 3am, 4am in the morning to go out and walk, to acknowledge people who seem to think there's no other way out.' They say the darkest hour is the one just before the dawn, and for those who take part, the walk can become a spiritual experience. 'It's just so, so amazing, how many people come out. I did it last year and it was amazing. It felt great. You are heading towards the sunlight and the light. You start off and it's pitch dark out. ADVERTISEMENT 'When you see the sunrise, at the end of it you realise there's a new day ahead and new possibilities. Now I was absolutely wrecked after it. There's always brightness and the sun will rise again. It's just so important to not let the dark times get you down which can be the case for so many people in the world,' said Denise. Supporters can help keep Pieta's essential services free and available to anyone who needs them by donating now to help them reach their fundraising goals. 'Every euro counts. A small donation can make a big impact,' added Denise. 'Together, we can light up the darkness and create a brighter future for everyone. Thank you so much for your support.' Darkness Into Light 2025 in Thurles on Saturday, May 10 will raise vital funds for Pieta and people affected by suicide and self-harm. The starting point for the Thurles event is The Dome, Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, (E41 V656), at 4.15am. Donations can be made to
