Appreciation

Rosaleen Geraghty

Rosaleen Geraghty took her final curtain call recently. Friends and former colleagues all over ESB were shocked and saddened by her premature death at the early age of 54, and only at the beginning of a well-earned retirement.

Rosaleen's ESB career was marked by deep care, compassion for others, and a twinkling, mischievous sense of fun. For 20 years, she dedicated her life to the welfare of her colleagues, bringing care, attention, and deep knowledge to all her clients' needs. She was always available with advice and information, and was a fantastic support for her newer EAP Officer colleagues. She had a particular rapport with retired staff, who she always felt were an integral part of the wider ESB family.

Rosaleen served the ESBBA from 1988 right up to her passing; she was treasurer of that fund for most of that time. She was instrumental in the development of the staff welfare role, and in the design and introduction of the best-practice EAP service we all enjoy today.

Rosaleen was a leading light of her profession, not just in ESB, but on national and international stages as well. She was deeply involved with EAPA, the international body of EAP professionals, and was elected after her retirement to a world role with the organisation.

Rosaleen's love of performance and theatre is legendary. She participated in a string of productions both within ESB and with a variety of drama groups. Her final triumphant "Big Maggie" is fondly remembered by many colleagues. Indeed, they remember her whole life as a triumph of care and compassion.

Even more than the theatre, Rosaleen truly loved her family. She was close to her parents, brother, sisters, and perhaps most of all, her nephews and nieces. Our loss in ESB is great; that of her parents, Nancy and Joe, and of her loving family, is so much greater.

May she rest in peace.