Faces of Galway 95/100
Meet Ruth from Cong.
Ruth is the type of person who is bursting with energy. One story rolls into the next and her sense of humour, drive and positive attitude to life is apparent. As she finished her first year in NUIG, studying a BA in Law, Sociology & Politics, she gave birth to her beautiful son, Sean. He struggled with illness from a very early stage, but with the help and support of her family she returned to University without missing a year. Ruth since went on to qualify as a solicitor and now runs her own legal practice, McDermott Byrne Solicitors here in Galway City with Mary McDermott. She has vast experience in Medical Negligence, Litigation and Family Law, and offers advocacy services for clients who may have a family member with disability. This focus has come from years of experience in having to fight for governmental assistance and help for Sean to live the best life possible.
Sean was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two. He has very limited control over his movements and after a bout of botox, which was meant to help relax his muscles, his ability to swallow was compromised. He is now PEG fed. As he also suffers from mental disability Ruth has always needed to have him in a very specialised school which could cater for all his needs. Rosedale school provides this and it is thanks to their dedicated specialised staff that his life was saved in 2012 after he collapsed in school and had to be resuscitated later at UCHG. Rosedale needs financial assistance to support the services provided to over 70 families in Galway and to build the new school building. Ruth has spent a lot of time and energy helping to raise money for charities such as Rosedale School in Renmore, which Sean attends.
Growing up in a family-run hotel Ruth has always been used to organising events and is creative in her approach to fundraisers. In 2012 she organised a GAA All-Star Tug of War over the county border between Mayo and Galway and raised over €3000 for Rosedale School in one day . Her latest event (with Ellie O'Grady BL), The Galway Twirl, is aiming to raise over €10,000 and takes place this Friday 5th May 2017 in the Galway Bay Hotel. Ten couples, from all walks of life, have been learning dance routines for the last 6 weeks under the guidance of the teachers at the Galway Swing Club. They will perform live on the night and be judged by Miriam O'Callaghan, Jim Corr, Tracy Piggot and two members of the Judiciary. All while under the watchful eye of MC, Dancing with the Stars contestant and another Faces of Galway Teresa Mannion and her Dance partner John Nolan! With lots of surprises and guest stars on the night it promises to be a wonderful event. There are a few tickets left, click here for more details, and for those who cannot attend but would like to donate please click here. All proceeds are going to Pieta House and Rosedale School.