Working Life: ‘When I left school at 18, I went straight into a caring role in my local nursing home’

Michael Cronin, regional patient and service user engagement lead, HSE Mid West

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025 - 01:00

Catherine Shanahan

“I grew up in Bruff, Co Limerick. From a young age, I had a strong sense of community and connection with people. When I left school at 18, I went straight into a caring role in my local nursing home. That experience ignited my passion for supporting people and making sure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.

“My career has spanned a variety of roles, including working in an emergency department, homeless services, family support roles in some of the State’s most deprived areas, and other frontline health and social care settings. Each experience gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and the importance of designing services with communities that truly meet their needs.