Kate O'Sullivan memorial lecture
18th November 2011
Today I attended Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups' coming of age celebration: 21 years of providing shared services for small charities in Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. It was by sheer coincidence 14 years to the day that I had started work at the Centre, being given a tiny corner in an office and the freedom to go ahead and set up Ireland's first volunteer centre. It was Kate O'Sullivan, CEO of the Centre, who welcomed me that November day. She remained my line manager for the seven years I was there. Although the Volunteer Resource Centre, as it was then known, became the independent organisation Volunteering Ireland, Kate was the Chairperson of its board for the first few years. Also, the organisation continued to be housed by Carmichael Centre (with a brief interlude at the Spade Enterprise Centre on North King Street). Volunteering Ireland was fortunate to be the first resident of the beautifully refurbished Coleraine House on nearby Coleraine Street.
Kate was so much more than my boss, however. She was my friend and my mentor, always there for me or anyone else who came knocking at her door. She was an amazing individual; a visionary, a fighter, a true leader. She died unexpectedly in 2007, just days before she was due to retire from her role at Carmichael Centre.
Just how much Kate was loved and admired was shown again at today's event, where the venue was packed with present and past Carmichael Centre staff, volunteers and supporters, including Kate's husband, Pat. I was especially delighted to be there as I had been unable to attend the inaugural Kate O'Sullivan memorial lecture given last year by Senator David Norris. Fr Peter McVerry delivered the second memorial lecture; a passionate and thought-provoking speech on how social justice can only be achieved through a change in our value system and how the community and voluntary sector has a hugely important role to play in this. It was a privilege to hear him speak.
An inspirational video was shown later, which talked about the history of Carmichael Centre and the positive difference it has made to the lives of organisations and individuals. Delicious food, prepared and served by Carmichael Centre staff, completed the picture. It was wonderful to meet old friends and get introduced to the newest people of the Centre. I wish them all the very best for the next 21 years.
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