Gráinne ‘privileged’ to work with fantastic staff at centre

GRÁINNE Begley, who has been at the helm of the St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre in Kilnamanagh for the past 15 years in her role as coordinator, has praised the staff and local community following her departure from the service last Friday.

Ms Begley worked her last day in the centre on Friday, before going on to take up a policy role with the HSE in Stewart’s Hospital in Palmerstown.

St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre provides early intervention and preventative work with families in the community, which Ms Begley was proud to be a part of alongside her colleagues.

Ms Begley told The Echo: “I was really fortunate. I felt really privileged working in the resource centre – there’s a fantastic, committed group of staff working there.”

Over the years, Ms Begley has become embedded in the community and has gotten to know many families, across several generations, through her work.

“I’ve been there for 15 years, and I’d know families for that long,” she explained. “I’ll miss having that contact with the community.

“The last few weeks have been a very emotional time, but with a feeling that I’m leaving behind a brilliant team. It’s kind of bittersweet.”

Ms Begley is looking forward to her next challenge, in her new role as a project manager in the HSE’s National Social Inclusion Office in Stewart’s Hospital.