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22 Oct 2025

Leitrim native honoured with prestigious award for contribution to mental health service

Leitrim native, Allen Gilhooley, was recognised by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) for his outstanding contribution to counselling and mental health in the North West at a conference in Cork

Leitrim native honoured with prestigious award for contribution to mental health service

Allen Gilhooly, recognized for his outstanding contribution to counselling and mental health in the North West at a conference in Cork

A Leitrim man has been honoured for his exceptional contribution to mental health services in the region. 

Allen Gilhooly, originally from Fenagh and now living in Skreen in Sligo, was presented with the West/North West Regional Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) at its annual conference in Cork, last month.

The award recognises those who have made a lasting contribution to the profession of counselling and psychotherapy in their community, which Allen has quietly but determinedly been doing for decades.

Allen, who spent over 20 years working in youth work, school chaplaincy, and community development in the east of the country, returned to the northwest 15 years ago to set up his own counselling initiative in Sligo. 

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He now manages a team of seven therapists across two centres — one in Sligo town and another in Kilglass near Enniscrone — providing vital therapy services to adults across the region.

 "Allen has made an outstanding contribution to the counselling and psychotherapy profession across the northwest. He’s a very worthy recipient, and I wish him continued success in his work,” said, Jade Lawless, IACP Cathaoirleach.

Allen is continuing his professional development with further studies in Cross Professional Supervision at the International College for Personal and Professional Development (ICPPD) in Athlone later this year.

He described receiving the award as an honour. "My mission has been to fill the gap in mental health support in our region, ensuring that people — especially young individuals — have a safe space to navigate life’s challenges,” he said. Adding: "This recognition reaffirms the importance of the work we are doing.”

The awards ceremony took place recently at the IACP’s 10th Annual Conference in the Maryborough Hotel, Cork, where leading figures from the world of counselling and psychotherapy gathered to celebrate achievements across the country.

Allen was one of several recipients of regional awards on the day, with recognition also going to therapists in Dublin, the Midlands, Northern Ireland, and beyond.

For Allen, though, the focus remains firmly on continuing to provide accessible, community-based mental health support for those who need it most.

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