Tributes were paid to the late Eoghan Doherty on Monday morning, 14th April at his home in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, as his parents, Olivia and James, made a life-changing gift on their son’s behalf to Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland. Eoghan, who acquired a brain injury in October 2003, chose to will his home to ABI Ireland after his passing – a remarkable act of generosity that will transform the lives of many others affected by acquired brain injury into the future.

As Olivia and James handed over the keys of the house to the organisation, our Chief Executive, Dr Karen Foley, described the future impact of Eoghan’s legacy:

“This incredible, state-of-the-art and fully accessible home was adapted so thoughtfully and carefully to enable Eoghan to live his life here as fully and independently as possible. Its universal design meant that Eoghan, despite living with physical limitations, could live the life of his choosing, surrounded by the activities, interests and people that made him happiest.

“That is what we, as an organisation, strive towards for every person we serve. We are delighted to announce that we will now begin the work of developing Eoghan’s home into a new service for survivors of brain injury, so that others will have the opportunity to spend time here during their rehabilitation and recovery journey, learning to regain their independence and rebuild their lives.”

Members of the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Midlands team and Executive Management pictured with Sinead Keane (HSE Disability Team Coordinator, Longford Westmeath) and Jean Bourke (Case Manager, Laois Offaly), together with Olivia and James Doherty, parents of Eoghan Doherty, in the garden of Eoghan’s former home in Mullingar, Westmeath. Photo John McAuley.

ABI Ireland provides community-based neuro-rehabilitation to survivors of brain injury across Ireland. Every day the organisation works with people impacted by brain injury and their families in their homes and communities, in Clubhouse settings and in residences with 24/7 rehabilitation expertise, helping them to work towards achieving their personal goals and living life with meaning and independence.

Following his accident, Eoghan attended the ABI Ireland Clubhouse in Edgeworthstown, where he enjoyed taking part in activities with peers, building new skills, and where he played a pivotal role in setting up an exercise group specifically for the Clubhouse members. He is remembered very fondly by the midlands rehabilitation team who also spoke of his love of fun and his great, mischievous sense of humour.

ABI Ireland’s service in the midlands already includes one assisted living house in Mountbolus, in addition to home and community, clinical, and group rehabilitation support. This new property in Mullingar will see the service build its capacity and ability to meet the needs of more people living with the impacts of acquired brain injury in local communities.

Gene Vickers, Interim Local Services Manager for ABI Ireland in the midlands, extended her gratitude to Eoghan and his family:

Gene continued: “We look forward to now working with our partners in the HSE and other stakeholders to create a plan that will maximise use of this wonderful property and do justice to Eoghan’s extraordinary gift.”

Further information about the service and expected timelines for development will be made available in the months ahead at www.abiireland.ie