Ballyshannon Day Centre's long serving manager reflects on her retirement

Marion McGee, the long-serving manager of Ballyshannon Day Centre, recently announced her retirement after 18 impactful years.

Her tenure began in 2006, just as the HSE was changing the Centre's role from a simple drop-in point to an active day care centre for senior citizens.

ABOVE: Marion McGee hands back the keys to Day Centre committee chairman John Mc Intyre on her retirement. Committee members in the photo. Marissa Coyle, Liam Thomas, Dennis Mc Guinness, John Mc Intyre, Marion McGee, Thomas Mc Guinness and Patrick Mc Kenna. (Photo: Philip Mulligan).

Marion's leadership transformed the Centre into a vibrant community space, filled with activities ranging from outings and arts and crafts to birthday parties and special days where musicians would come in for performances and sing-alongs.

The Centre often hosted its own "Day Centre's Got Talent," showcasing the talents of our elderly. Priests visited to assist with pastoral needs, providing pray and blessings. It became a place where smiles and friendships flourished, all thanks to Marion's dedication, many would say.

Reflecting on her retirement, Marion shares, "I decided it was time to retire after 18 years working with the Day Centre. It was a tough decision because I loved my job and the people I met every day."

ABOVE:  Kathleen Fahy, Michael Gillespie, Tom Bannon, John McEnroy, Pauric Gill and Marion McGee from the first of the Tuesday users 

Marion's career with the HSE, starting in the 1970s as a carer in the Rock Hospital, and later providing home help in the Ballyshannon area, showcases her lifelong commitment to caring for others.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted Marion's adaptability and compassion, as she navigated the Centre through its most challenging period.

"Our biggest challenge was Covid-19," Marion recalls.

"It was heartbreaking as we lost a lot of clients. May they Rest in Peace."

ABOVE: Marion McGee, Mary Alice Patton, Mai Kennedy, Michael Gillespie, Kathleen Fahy, Tom Bannon, John McEnroy from another group of day care users 

Despite the lockdowns, Marion ensured that the Centre's spirit lived on through phone calls, letters, and even a book titled "Our Side of the Story," which documents this period through hand-written letters from Centre clients – may of whom have since passed away - and interviews with members of the community.

The book is Marion’s legacy to the Day Centre, and its proceeds are dedicated to providing activities for the existing clients.

ABOVE: Wednesday's Group - Jean Brolly, Mary McNamara, Eileen McGowan, Amy Cawley, Rose Gallagher, Libby Vaughan, Charmaine Patton, Brid Gettins, Tilly Coscadden

Marion's work went beyond managerial duties; she was the creative force behind many of the Centre's activities, creating an environment where seniors had a home from home. "I loved my work and made so many lifelong friends," she says, highlighting the deep connections made with both staff and the elderly community.

As she steps into retirement, Marion extends heartfelt thanks to her colleagues, the HSE Management, Thomas McGuiness and the Day Centre Committee, and, most importantly, the seniors she has served. "I wish everyone health, happiness, and fun. I'll miss you all," she expresses.

ABOVE: Chair of the Ballyshanon Day Centre John McIntyre making a presetation to Marion, as he remarked that as Marion was leaving her role with great memories, he was coming into a new role. Photo Philip Mulligan.  

Combining Marion's reflections with the community's perspective, it's evident that her retirement signifies a momentous transition for Ballyshannon Day Centre.

Her legacy, marked by compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to seniors, leaves a lasting imprint.

Marion's Thursday Group users - Margaret McGowan, Whinny Gallagher, Mai Kennedy, Charmaine Patton, Anita Carroll, Marion McGee, Bernie Loughlin

While Marion's leadership will be greatly missed, the Centre stands strong, ready to continue its vital work in the capable hands that follow.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Marion for her years of service and wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement, confident in the knowledge that the foundations she has laid will continue to support and enrich the lives of many.