Friday saw Noreen Ellis close one big chapter of her life. The official working career has come to a conclusion after a remarkable 44 years service with the HSE. When Noreen started in 1980 her employer was the North Western Health Board. Back then she was working in administration on the St. Conal’s Hospital Campus. But, for the last 28 years Noreen has been the first point of contact with the Drug and Alcohol Counselling/Advisory Service at St. Eunan’s Court on Letterkenny’s Back Road. Staff past and present came along to wish Noreen well in retirement at a farewell function in her honour. Among those in attendance were Hughie McBride, a founding member of the Addiction Counselling Services at St. Conal’s Hospital over 40 years ago. Other retired colleagues present that Noreen would have worked with included Bridgeen Doherty, Josephine Stewart, Mary Blake and Roisin McBride. On behalf of the local HSE management Rosemary Hannigan acknowledged Noreen’s long and dedicated service. Cora Harvey, the Head of the Donegal Addiction Counselling Services also paid tribute to Noreen’s hugely important administrative role that was so important to allow other staff to get on with their jobs in an efficient and effective manner. So no more early morning drives from Fintown for Noreen. More time to spend with family and friends. More time as well to follow the fortunes of Naomh Conaill. Noreen is wished good health and happiness to enjoy her retirement.
