Congratulations to all recipients of the People of the Year award, 2017 – most especially to PJ Dixon for his incredible service to the community, including his years with the Mental Health Services, his dedicated service to the Friends of Respond and his long association with the Stroke Association. PJ works with the Friends of Respond in Ennis and the work of Respond Housing Association and Fr. Pat Cogan were acknowledged in the dedication to PJ last evening in Ennis Parish Cathedral.
A native of Ballyea, Inagh he trained as a psychiatric nurse in Our Lady’s in 1966 under the tutorship of Phi Hanley. PJ remained in his chosen profession over 40 years, retiring in 2001. Maura Howe and PJ married in September 1974 in St Isadore’s in Rome and they have five children and nine granchildren, including the latest baby Ethan. It was in his role as a community nurse that PJ became involved with Respond in Ennis. On retirement from nursing, PJ became a support worker to the Respond residents.
PJ has also been very involved in his own local community of Ballymachill/Cappa Mor, helping establish the group water scheme. PJ is involved in the stroke support group for people who have survived a stroke, meeting on the last Monday of each month in Fahy Hall.
In March, Ennis parish recognised a number of people including PJ, who quietly make an outstanding contribution to the life of the community.
Posted: March 2017