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20th Mar 2019

Book of condolence to be opened for Laura Brennan

Alan Loughnane

Laura Brennan book of condolence

It will open on Thursday morning.

A book of condolence is to be opened for Laura Brennan, one of Ireland’s leading patient advocates and HPV vaccine campaigners, who died on Wednesday.

Clare County Council will open a Book of Condolence in memory of Laura Brennan in the public foyer of Áras Contae an Chláir, Ennis, at 10.00am on Thursday.

The Mayor of Clare, Councillor Michael Begley is inviting members of the public to sign the book to help mark Laura’s legacy.

“Many knew Laura for her advocacy work in favour of the HPV Vaccine after receiving a diagnosis of terminal cervical cancer,” Begley said. “To those who knew Laura personally however, it was her courage and her amazing positivity that defined her.

“When Laura first approached the HSE in 2017, she made it clear that every parent in Ireland who was about to make the decision whether their daughter was to be vaccinated against HPV, would hear her story first.

“Laura’s story was most certainly heard when she appeared on the Late Late Show. In recent months, Laura was named Clare Person of the Year, she was honoured by UCD and she received a Mayoral Reception from Clare County Council. The World Health Organisation even invited Laura to extend her advocacy of the vaccine across Europe.

“All of this happened because Laura told her story. She did not dictate to any person nor did she speak to garner pity.  Telling one’s story to a public audience is often the most difficult thing to do.  In doing just that however, Laura opened a debate, gave a voice to the silenced and generated a better understanding of what is a serious issue that affects so many.

“My sincerest condolences to Laura’s family at this most difficult time,” Begley said.

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