Press Releases14 Nov 01

THELMA MEHAFFEY TO RETIRE AS MU PRESIDENT

Mrs Thelma Mehaffey is to retire as All -Ireland President of the Mothers' Union in December having completed her term of office, it was announced today at the Mothers' Union All-Ireland Council meeting in Dublin.

Mrs Mehaffey has travelled thousands of miles promoting the work of the Mothers' Union in every diocese in Ireland. She represented members at meetings in England on a regular basis networking with members world-wide including the World Wide Council and was present in June at the special 125th MU Anniversary Service in Westminster Abbey attended by Queen Elizabeth.

An MU spokesperson said: "Thelma encouraged and enthused members and it was her vision which was largely responsible for bringing the very successful General Meeting to Belfast in 2000.

"She welcomed Mrs Trish Heywood, the World Wide President to Ireland in May and has played a key role in promoting many MU projects, including the literacy and parenting projects. At the heart of her commitment to the values of the Mothers' Union is her belief in the family unit and its importance to a stable society."

Mrs Paddy Wallace, currently MU President of Connor Diocese, will succeed Thelma Mehaffey as All-Ireland President in January 2002.

A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, Paddy is a former Vice-Principal of Parkhall College, Antrim, and still active on educational boards. She is also a member of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council and involved with other voluntary organisations.

Paddy and her husband, John, began their married life in Zambia and have 3 sons. She joined the Mothers' Union in 1968 and has served the society in a variety of roles at diocesan and All-Ireland levels.

Further information from:

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