At Key’s Gala, Killucan, (from left) Tom Keys, store owner; Ray Conboy, Retail Operations executive at Gala Retail; Deirdre Berry, who was named Westmeath’s Most Inspirational Person; and Keith Lane, BWG.

Deirdre Berry is ‘Westmeath’s Most Inspirational Person’

Published: Wed 9 Nov 2022, 9:06 AM

Last updated: Wed 9 Nov 2022, 10:05 AM

Deirdre Berry is celebrating this week after being named Westmeath’s Most Inspirational Person at this year’s Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media.

Deirdre’s extensive and inspirational work in the charity sector earned her the title.

Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail awarded inspirational people from every county in Ireland, who each received €1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers.

Deirdre, who is from Athlone, impressed the judges for her work in the community.

The manager of Esker House Women’s Refuge and Support Service in Athlone, Deirdre has spent the last two years expanding the service and Esker House now provides a children’s service to assist those experiencing and witnessing abuse, an outreach worker to support victims that do not want to leave their relationships, and a court support worker that assists victims in completing court documents.

Thanks to Deirdre’s work, Esker House has evolved to become more than just a refuge.

From a large number of nominations, 26 county heroes were crowned. Noreen Murphy from Bantry in County Cork was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheen’s House Suicide Prevention Charity.

Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, said: “We’ve heard some inspirational stories from people across Ireland during these awards, which has affirmed something we already knew – that we have so many selfless people carrying out great work in our communities.

“Now in their fourth year, the awards pay tribute to people who play a key role in creating a better country for us all. Operating in communities throughout Ireland, Gala Retailers have seen first-hand some of the great work that people have been doing and we are proud to have been able to recognise some of these inspirational individuals.

“We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations and Deirdre along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place. Congratulations Deirdre and all our county heroes!”

• gala.ie.