Banagher College guidance counsellor recognised for work with students

A guidance counsellor on the staff of Colaiste na Sionna, Banagher College has been recognised for her work with students in the west Offaly educational facility.

Claire Nolan was awarded the Irish Guidance Counsellors (ICG) medal for outstanding achievement to the Midlands Branch of the IGC, at a recent dinner in the County Arms Hotel in Birr.

In the citation, Ursula Finnegan, treasurer of the Midlands Branch spoke about Claire being "the embodiment of what it means to be a guidance counsellor" and described her as "a steady presence in uncertain times, a skilled listener and communicator, a voice of encouragement when it’s needed most, and, above all, a tireless advocate for young people guiding them with key decision -making at important stages in their lives."

As Chairperson of the Midlands Branch of the IGC, the group said Claire Nolan champions professional development and nurtures collegiality among guidance counsellors, having provided top-class leadership to the Midlands team in the run up to the National IGC Conference earlier in the year.