Margaret Beaumont

Our beloved friend and colleague Margaret Beaumont passed away on 11th April 2019 following an illness. We lost someone who was both wise and kind, an inspiration to us all. Margaret gained her primary degree in Social Studies in 1980 as a mature student from Trinity College Dublin. As a qualified social worker, she began a career that led to her becoming one of the most respected and sought after practitioners in the field of fostering and adoption.

Margaret maintained a keen interest in updating her skills during her career. She was also a registered Marte Meo therapist and supervisor. This is a therapeutic supportive communication programme. In 1995, at the age when most people are thinking of retiring, Margaret returned to Trinity and completed the MSc in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. As a professional her approach encompassed a sound theoretical base with a practical approach, the culmination of all her learning and life experience. She was renowned for her expertise in attachment theory.

 Post retirement Margaret worked with the Dublin North East Social Work Service in Dunshaughlin as a Child Care Consultant until the onset of her illness. Her commitment to the children, families and staff she worked with was steadfast. She also had a private practice and taught on a range of courses including in her old alma mater, Trinity college, her knowledge and experience shaping the work of future practitioners.

Margaret was a great storyteller and brought humour to any gathering. ‘Joie de vivre’ is defined as not only a cheerful enjoyment of life. It is an exultation of spirit, a joy in anything one might do, a philosophy of life. Margaret truly embodied this. To her beloved husband Piaras and her family we extend our sympathy. Her innate kindness and wisdom reached many at both a personal and professional level. We, as her colleagues, are the richer for her contribution to our profession. May she live on in the spirit of our organization and in the lives of those she touched.

Helen Hedigan

Helen Hedigan, our friend and colleague, passed away in April 2020 following an illness

Helen held the centre of IFCAPP over the last years. She was a hugely committed and caring Chair of IFCAPP for four years, serving on the IFCAPP committee previous to this.  She remained an active interested member until her death in April of this year. Helen was a long standing representative on the Psychoanalytic Section committee of the ICP, and also served on the Psych section CPD sub –committee.

As a psychologist, Helen previously worked with both the NRB and Enable Ireland. She was an Infant Observation tutor on the MSc psychoanalytic psychotherapy course in Trinity College for many years.

She was without doubt an invaluable member of our organistion and we miss her energy, humour and open warm heart. It is difficult to imagine her gone and her loss is incalculable to us. We will hold her in our hearts and send our thoughts and love to her family and friends.