Le Chéile centre bids farewell to Marie after twenty years of service to Mallow
WHEN Marie Fenlon took on the role of manager of Mallow’s Le Chéile Centre at Bathview in April 2001, it was a Creche and Counselling Service established by the Sisters of Mercy in the town.
Twenty years later, as Marie embarks on her retirement this week, the Le Chéile Centre offers a range of services for local families from a new campus in Fair Street thanks to her efforts and leadership throughout her tenure.
Plans for a celebratory send off have had to be put on ice due to Level 5 Covid restrictions so her Le Chéile colleagues and board have decided to let their departing manager know of their fondness and respect in the pages of The Corkman.
Adding her voice to the chorus of gratitude is Clare Cashman, the chairperson of the National Forum of Family Resource Centres, a body to which Marie has made a significant contribution.
“Marie recognised the need to take the fight for the voiceless, the disadvantaged and the marginalised to the powers that be,” said Clare who described how Marie had, along with her colleagues in the forum, lobbied Government for better resources and opportunities for all in the community.
“Through her involvement with the Forum Marie played a vital role representing Family Resources Centre’s on the Board of ‘ The Family Support Agency’ for many years until the Agency was subsumed into Tusla.
“During her time on the Board, Marie developed and retained positive relationships with Key National and local players including Cork
County Council, Cork ETB, Tusla Local and National, Pobal, Local Development Company, Cork County Childcare Committee and may others.
“Her capacity to promote the needs of the community cannot be underestimated.”
According to a statement issued by the board of the Le Chéile Family Resource Centre, Marie’s tireless work was the key factor in securing the funding for the Fair Street campus and extensive range of services.
“Her guidance and passionate dedication to growing what was a small enterprise in 2001 to where in stands in our community today has been quite remarkable.”
“The staff, Board of Directors and service users of Le Chéile FRC would like to congratulate Marie on the occasion of her retirement and extend every good wish for health & happiness in the future,” the statement concluded.