Vicky Phelan to receive the Fitzgerald Bible Bruff award 2018

THE LIMERICK woman who lifted the lid on the CervicalCheck scandal is to receive an award for her service to Ireland by taking political and social action.

Annacotty-woman Vicky Phelan is to be bestowed with the Fitzgerald Bible Bruff Award for 2018, for her role in exposing the Cervical Check controversy that has affected hundreds of women nationally. 

Ms Phelan joins Philomena Lee, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy and Michael Ó' Muircheartaigh, who have previously received the award for their contributions to Ireland. 

Chairman of the Fitzgerald Bible Bruff Award group Paul Dennehy told the Limerick Leader: “As soon as the nomination process began, it was clear there was one name  dominating.” 

“Not just in the minds of people but in the hearts of people,” Mr Dennehy said. “The Fitzgerald Bible Bruff Award is a very significant award as it represents the legacy of John Fitzgerald Kennedy who inspired  people to accept responsibility by  taking political and social action,” he added. 

“He fought for equal rights and opportunities for everyone. I think it is very appropriate that this year the award is going to Vicky Phelan.” 

The presentation of the award will take place in the coming weeks at the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre in Bruff.  

Meanwhile, Ms Phelan has joined others impacted by the Cervical Check scandal in launching a support group for directly affected women and their families.

Ms Phelan joined Stephen Teap, whose wife Irene died from cervical cancer after she was given incorrect smear test results twice, and Lorraine Walsh, who was also diagnosed with cancer after an incorrectly-read smear test, to formally launch the ‘221+ CervicalCheck Patient Support Group.’

“The CervicalCheck scandal has been traumatic for the 221+ patients and their families,” Ms Phelan said. “Part of the process in healing from trauma is connecting with others who have been affected,” she added. “One of the main functions of the 221+ Patient Support Group is to provide a safe, open, caring, supportive environment to allow this healing to take place.”

The group, which is supported by The Marie Keating Foundation, Irish Cancer Society and Irish Patients Association, will represent the current known, and unknown women, and families impacted by the controversy. 

On Tuesday, the support group welcomed the findings of Judge Charles Meenan, who recommended a tribunal be set up to determine claims from those affected by the Cervical Check controversy.

“We compliment Judge Charles Meenan on his work which included consultation with the women, their families and representatives,” the group said. “We feel it important that a time limit is set on the establishment and work of this tribunal so that women, many of whom are ill, can be heard and have their issues resolved expediently.”