Tánaiste Simon Harris 'chuffed' to get thank you card from 'inspirational' Limerick girl

TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has expressed his delight after receiving a handwritten thank you card from an "inspirational" Limerick girl honoured for her extraordinary dedication as a carer.

Ellen, a Newcastle West native and recipient of the Young Carer of the Year award, visited the Tánaiste at his office, where the two shared a conversation about her experiences and the challenges faced by young carers in Ireland.

Taking to Instagram to recount their meeting, Mr Harris said:

"Some days are extra special when you meet inspirational people. I was delighted to welcome Ellen to my office... A super young person already making a real difference."

He added that he was "chuffed" to receive a card in the post from Ellen and to sit down with her and listen and learn from her experiences. Mr Harris also thanked Limerick TD and Minister Patrick O'Donovan for bringing Ellen and her mother to meet him.

Ellen was honoured as Munster Young Carer of the Year 2024 late last year for caring for her brothers Andrew and James Gannon, 10, with non-verbal autism. 

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She was also named as Limerick Person of the Month last February, and collected her award with her mother Helen O’Flynn, at the Clayton Hotel, Limerick city. 

While Ellen herself has ADHD and Dyslexia, her dedication to minding and supporting her brothers everyday is unwavering. 

Despite her responsibilities, Ellen excels in sports, enjoys art, and brings joy to everyone around her. She is an avid Arsenal fan and also loves football.  

A pupil at Kilcolman National School, Ellen’s brothers Andrew and James attend Nano Nagle special school in Listowel, Co Kerry.