Working Life: Enjoy Halloween celebrations — while keeping health and safety in mind

Dr Katharine Harkin, consultant in public health medicine, Child Health Public Health, HSE

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025 - 11:01

Catherine Shanahan

“I grew up in Swinford, Co Mayo and after finishing secondary school I moved to Dublin to study pharmacy at Trinity College. Qualifying as a pharmacist gave me the opportunity to work closely with patients, in both hospital and community settings, helping them manage chronic illnesses and regularly advising patients on healthy living and disease prevention.

“From the very beginning of my career, I saw just how important prevention and early intervention are to long-term health. That experience inspired me to study medicine in NUI Galway, where I’ve stayed ever since. Initially, I worked in hospital medicine for a few years, but I found myself increasingly drawn to public health medicine. It felt like the right fit as it focuses on prevention and population wellbeing.