Society invests over €840,000 in free community-based counselling services
Photo Captions: Edel Shovlin, Acting CEO, Irish Cancer Society and Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations, Irish Cancer Society present 24 cancer support centre partners with cheque for €840,800 which funded almost 13,000 free counselling sessions across the country. Photo credit: Andres Poveda Photography
19 February 2026: In 2025, partnering with a network of 24 community-based local cancer support centres, the Irish Cancer Society funded almost 13,000 free counselling sessions for people affected by cancer.
As Daffodil Day approaches, the Irish Cancer Society is highlighting the community-based impact of its grant funding of €840,800 for local cancer support centres, which is only made possible through vital fundraising initiatives across the country.
Edel Shovlin, Acting CEO, Irish Cancer Society says:
“1 in 2 of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, and when we do, we deserve the best possible support to help us process and come to terms with our diagnosis. On top of the physical impact of cancer treatment, we know the emotional and psychological toll cancer can take on patients and their loved ones during and beyond their diagnosis.
"Providing free counselling to patients, survivors and their family members is a crucial service for those affected by cancer. As well as offering our own remote counselling services, through our 24 local cancer support centre partners, the Irish Cancer Society funds vital free counselling services on the ground across Ireland. We simply can’t be there for those patients and families without the generosity and support of the Irish public. Every €60 we can raise is a free counselling session for a patient or their loved one. Every euro of your support will help make a difference. That’s why we’re asking for your support his Daffodil Day, Friday 20th March.”
Patricia Mc Keever, Head of Service Operations at ARC Cancer Support Centres (Dublin), funded €200,000 by the Irish Cancer Society, says:
“We are grateful to receive this funding from the Irish Cancer Society which enables ARC to provide a counselling service to people and their families affected by cancer.
"We see individuals and families from day of diagnosis and beyond. The impact of a cancer diagnosis not only affects the individual but the entire family who are also coming to terms with the diagnosis.
"Access to counselling, free of barriers such as cost, is essential as it provides vital emotional support, helping individuals and their families navigate fear, uncertainty, and complex decisions throughout the cancer journey with greater resilience and clarity”
Maureen Grealish, Manager, Tuam Cancer Care (Galway), funded €16,000 by the Irish Cancer Society, says:
“We are very grateful to the Irish Cancer Society who have been part-funding our counselling service for many years now. We have seen a huge increase in the demand for our services over the past few years and this funding is a vital element in allowing us to continue meeting the needs of people affected by a cancer diagnosis. In 2025 we provided 363 counselling sessions to individuals, couples, children and adolescents and the Irish Cancer Society funding covered a significant portion of the those costs for which we are most grateful”.
Gemma Fort, Manager, Recovery Haven (Kerry), funded €56,500 by the Irish Cancer Society, says:
“We are very grateful to the Irish Cancer Society for this funding, which contributes towards the cost of providing free, accessible counselling to people affected by cancer across Kerry.
"A cancer diagnosis impacts far more than physical health, and the availability of accessible, professional counselling support close to home makes a real difference to people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis and their families.”
Mary Ruddy, Centre Manager, Cuisle Cancer Support (Laois), funded €31,500 by the Irish Cancer Society, says:
“We are grateful to receive funding from the Irish Cancer Society to provide this vital service to people living with cancer. Every day our team woks to connect cancer patients and survivors who are grappling with the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment."
