Tony Noonan at home in Templeglantine, with his Hannah who both feel let down that their daughter Siobhan with special needs who is not getting the supports and care that she needs.
After many months without her essential services, Siobhán has returned to her full five-day service with the Brothers of Charity, Foynes. It has been a very difficult time for all concerned. Her father Tony Noonan, of Noonan’s Christmas Lights, renowned for its annual Charity Fundraising, wrote;
“I suppose the decision to put our special needs daughter Siobhán, a victim of Rett Syndrome, out in the public eye was heart breaking for us her parents. Would we do it again? The answer is Yes, we would because we couldn’t stand by and allow her to be treated so badly. We are her voice. But there are a lot of good people out there who stood tall when they became aware of Siobhán’s plight. Louise Carey and Nuala Kelly of the HSE visited our home and after accessing the situation, very swiftly acquired a place in the Day Service building in Foynes and put a package together which included staff from Bluebird Care to ensure Siobhán’s full service could be resumed. Manager Paula and her staff have been brilliant in their care of our daughter, and as a family, we are very happy. All this would not have been possible without the above mentioned HSE personnel.
Many thanks to Councillor Liam Galvin for his efforts on our behalf. Thanks too to Eric Clarke and Virgin media for taking our story on board, and to the Weekly Observer/Vale Star for giving us excellent coverage. All I can say is that it’s very much appreciated. Thanks too to all who contacted us and sent messages of goodwill and support.
But as a family, it would not be right for us not to acknowledge the wonderful care that Siobhán receives at the Brothers of Charity. That has never been the issue and it’s very much appreciated. At the time of writing this, Siobhán’s key worker is due to return. She’s a person who gives excellent care and attention and kindness to our daughter. Now we’re moving on and it’s a joy for us to see Siobhán’s delight at being back at her service. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters. We acknowledge an apology made to us by CEO of Brothers of Charity, Michael Hennessy, it’s much appreciated going in to the future.
Finally, a massive thanks to Limerick city and county Lord Mayor, Councillor Michael Collins, for his help and concern for our situation. He contacted me the day after the article appeared in the Weekly Observer. He said he was following our story and wanted to help. True to his word, he duly obliged. He quickly went to work for our special needs’ daughter. This speaks volumes for the man, a local man looking after local people, a common sense approach, a man with his two feet on the ground. So, Michael, on behalf of our daughter, many, many thanks for your concern and your kindness.
Now it’s time to move forward. We hope our story helps others with special needs get the service that they are fully entitled to.
So that’s our story, a happy ending and we hope it helps others who may be in a similar situation. Always remember, if you can’t stand up, stand out.”
Tony Noonan.