Samaritan's Walk in Waterford is a great success
Cllr. Liam Brazil, Mayor, Waterford City & County, Minister Mary Butler and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Cllr. Cathrine Burke, Margaret McMahon, Regional Director, Samaritans and Sharon Deveraux and members of the Samaritans and friends who took part in the Annual Walk.Photo: John Power
Samaritans Waterford & South East marked its 50th anniversary at the weekend with a special 'Together in Step Walk' along the Waterford Greenway.
The event took place on July 24 and brought together volunteers, family members, friends and supporters to recognise five decades of service to the community.
Participants set off from both Waterford and Dungarvan before meeting in Kilmacthomas to celebrate with current and past volunteers, family, friends and supporters.
The date of the event was also significant as it was chosen to mark the fact the Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing emotional support to anyone who needs it.
The event was attended by Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Liam Brazil, Minister Mary Butler TD, MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Cllr Catherine Burke, who joined volunteers to mark the milestone and show their support for the work of the charity.
A spokesperson for the organisers said the day began with breakfast for the Dungarvan walkers - generously provided by Michael and Michéal Ryan of Railway Cottage, before walkers made their way along the Greenway from Waterford and Dungarvan, to meet in Kilmacthomas.
There the participants gathered for lunch at Coachhouse Coffee, giving everyone an opportunity to relax, reflect on the day and enjoy time together.
Samaritans Waterford & South East thanked Regional Director Margaret McMahon from Clare Samaritans, former Regional Director Jonathan Neville from Cork Samaritans and Bridget Forristal from Kilkenny & Carlow Samaritans, along with the many volunteers, families, friends and supporters whose commitment and enthusiasm helped make the event a great success.
Gratitude was also extended to Ann Barron and Paula Evoy for organising the walk and to Nellie Moore and Anne Gillane for supporting the walkers.
Speaking after the walk, Co-Director of Samaritans Waterford & South East, Sharon Devereux, said the event was a fitting way to recognise the dedication of generations of volunteers from all across the county who have supported the people of Waterford and the South East for the past 50 years, while also looking ahead to continuing that work for many years to come.
