Official Opening of Office

President of Ireland Mary McAleese with Guard of Honour outside the New Offices of Cork Mental Health Association


The President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the new offices of Cork Mental Health Association at Nore House, Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork on Friday 27th January at 11.30am.

There was a great sense of occasion with the Army providing a Guard of Honour and the Army Band providing musical entertainment.

President of Ireland Mary McAleese being greeted by Mr. Aidan Fahy, Chairman and Ms. Mary Groeger, Board Director of Cork Mental Health Association.




President Mary McAleese congratulated everyone associated with Cork Mental Health Association on the fine new offices.

The President said that “They will carry on the work in a 21 st century environment” and she hoped
“we will learn how to make history of mental ill-health.”

President McAleese spoke about never having to worry about finding her way as she travels the country each week as her Garda drivers never get lost. However, for those who suffer from enduring mental illness, life can be a bewildering maze, a place without signposts or maps, a place that is so easy to get lost in or overlooked.

The President congratulated Cork Mental Health Association for its dedication to supporting those who experience mental ill health, bringing them out of the coldness of isolation and into the light and warmth of community.

The President acknowledged the association's work in helping to educate the community and to strengthen its range of resources in dealing with mental illness she went on to say that when you invest in the coping skills of the individual you invest in the coping skills of the community.

President McAleese declares the new offices of Cork Mental Health Association officially opening

President McAleese, Dr. Martin McAleese and Lord Mayor Cllr. Deirdre Clune with Board members of Cork Mental Health Association;
Back Row: Mr. Frank Duggan, Mr. Michael Kenny, Ms. Rosarii Lenihan, Ms. Pauline Piggott,
Mr. Michael Fitzgibbon, Mr. John V. O'Mahony, Mr. Robert O' Connell,
Front Row: Ms. Mary Groeger, Mr. Aidan Fahy, Ms. Mary Twomey.

Absent Board Members on the day were Mr. Niall McCarthy, Mr. John Daly and Mr. Tim O' Sullivan.

Presentation to the President

President Mary McAleese was given a tour of the building and viewed some of the paintings from Cork Mental Health Association's Reflecting Through Art Exhibition. Cork Mental Health Association presents President McAleese with a piece of Art by Joseph Dunlea, Artist, whose art work is part of the Cork Mental Health Association's Reflecting Through Art Exhibition.

President Mary McAleese, her husband Dr. Martin McAleese, Mr. Joseph Dunlea, Artist and Mr. Aidan Fahy, Chairman, Cork Mental Health Association.

For more information on the official Opening of Office contact Cork Mental Health Foundation