Dr Siobhan Barry of Cluain Mhuire Services with chairperson Gordon Young at a ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniverary of the Blackrock branch of Schizophrenia Ireland.

The 40th anniversary of the setting up of Schizophrenia Ireland's Blackrock branch was celebrated recently. Brother Kilian Keaney, who was then based in Cluain Mhuire, encouraged relatives to form a group to discuss the problems associated with this diagnosis. This was at a time before medicines such as Clozapine, early intervention programmes like DETECT or developed community services were available. The Schizophrenia Association, later known as Schizophrenia Ireland, was born and is now the national organisation ‘Shine’. When Brother Kilian went to work in Korea, the information gained by the group benefited many people supported by Saint John of God Services there.

The Blackrock branch still meets monthly in Cluain Mhuire and on a regular basis with Clinical Director Dr Siobhan Barry to advocate for improved services. To mark the branch’s achievement, Dr Barry unveiled a plaque and presented flowers to surviving members at the group’s annual Christmas party.