Speech by Mayor of Youghal Olly Casey at the civic reception held in The Mall House to honour Youghal native Bree Rosney retired Matron of Youghal Community Hospital and Hospice - Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a signal honour, for my fellow councillors and myself to welcome here tonight Bree Rosney, who for so long has served our community here in Youghal.

I would first like to say that Bree’s entire life is one of dedication and commitment, first to her family and then to the community which she served with excellence down the years.
Bree returned from nursing in England, in the early 1980′s, to look after her family, mother, father, brothers. She did this with unselfish love and dedication, which was to be the hallmark of her service to Youghal Community Hospital.
Bree commenced her career in the hospital as a staff nurse and became Matron after the Nuns left Youghal in 1985, a post she held up to her retirement in this year, 2008.
As matron, Bree soon started to make her mark on Youghal Community Hospital, which mind you was always a caring place but under Bree became a home away from home. a place where the dignity of the person was of the utmost importance and was reflected in the many tributes paid to herself and her staff down through the years.

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Some of the improvements which Bree Introduced into her Hospital were:-
Physiotherapy,
Paediatrics,
Occupational Therapy,
Dietician,
Chiropody,
Dental Care,
Reflexology.

Along with many other improvements like, Dayrooms Extensions, Etc.
No, birthday or anniversary, was forgotten and Christmas was a special time in the Hospital and many the carol and song was heard emanating from the hospital.
Youghal Community Hospital became, under Bree’s supervision a Yardstick for Excellence and great Teamwork. The Friends of Youghal Community hospital assisted Bree and her Staff greatly down through the years and it is only right and fitting that they are mentioned here tonight.
Bree’s love and care for her beloved brothers, Patrick and David is phenomenal and I know that when Bree approaches the Pearly Gates in 50 years from now they most certainly will be thrown wide open for her, no questions asked, because everything she has done is recorded in Gold.

Finally, behind every great woman there is a great man and Bree’s husband, John, is the unsung hero here tonight. Well done, John.
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All that is left for me to do is to wish you, Bree, the longest and happiest of retirements.

I now ask you to come forward to receive a token of our appreciation for all the years of work and dedication you have given to your Community here in Youghal,
Bree Rosney everybody.
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