Tributes paid to local man who left house to charity
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James and Olivia Doherty with a photograph of their late son, Eoghan, who gifted his home to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.Image 2 of 3
Members of the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Midlands community service and assisted living service team, together with HSE representatives, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland executive management and Olivia and James Doherty at the handover.Image 3 of 3
ABI CEO Dr Karen Foley accepts the keys from Olivia Doherty.Regan Kelly
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, a national charity, held a tribute to the late Eoghan Doherty at his former home in Mullingar on Monday week last, April 14.
The house was gifted to the charity by Eoghan’s parents, Olivia and James, on behalf of their son, an act of generosity that will help many people with an acquired brain injury. The house has been converted into a fully equipped rehabilitation facility.
CEO of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Karen Foley said at last week’s event: “On behalf of ABI Ireland, I want to sincerely thank Eoghan, Olivia and James for giving the gift of hope and autonomy to brain injury survivors living in the midlands.
“This incredible fully accessible home was adapted so thoughtfully and carefully to enable Eoghan to live his life here as fully and independently as possible.
“Its universal design meant that Eoghan, despite living with physical limitations, could live the life of his choosing, surrounded by the activities, interests and people that made him happiest.
“We are delighted to announce that we will now begin the work of developing Eoghan’s home into a new service for survivors of brain injury, so that others will have the opportunity to spend time here during their rehabilitation and recovery journey, learning to regain their independence and rebuild their lives.”
Gene Vickers, interim local services manager for ABI Ireland in the midlands, extended her gratitude to Eoghan and his family: “I want to again thank Olivia and James and to remember Eoghan today for the legacy he leaves for survivors of brain injury in Ireland. We look forward to now working with our partners in the HSE and other stakeholders to create a plan that will maximise the use of this wonderful property and do justice to Eoghan’s extraordinary gift.”