Sr. Consilio Fitzgerald

Cuan Mhuire, Farnanes, Co Cork

Sister Consilio heads up Cuan Mhuire and is actively involved in the organisation’s work in assisting and treating people with alcohol addiction and dependency. She has grown the organisation from very humble beginnings and, over the course of forty years, Cuan Mhuire is now one of the largest charity organisations in the country with over 600 beds for people that would not otherwise be able to pay for treatment in any other rehabilitation centre. Cuan Mhuire has also developed into a vital resource for GPs and healthcare professionals in the referral process. In addition, there are seven half-way houses established across the country for people who finish the Cuan Mhuire programme and who have no where else to go at the conclusion of their treatment. Sister Consilio has exemplified the meaning of love and understanding through her noble work and has consequently helped hundreds of thousands of Irish people rediscover their lives without alcohol and drugs.

“I want to thank Mother Mary of the Sacred Heart, my superior 43 years ago, who allowed me do to this work; my parents & family and in more recent years my nieces and nephews for the huge support they have given and continue to give.  I wish to thank the thousands of volunteers who have given their time to make Cuan Mhuire what it is today as well as the many thousands who have joined our family over the years. I trust that for all of us it will make a difference for time and eternity”. – Sr. Consilio

Photograph by Maureen McDonnell