IPN 2022 November

High Commendations for Kathleen

Kathleen Donnelly, Foster’s Pharmacy, Cavan – Highly Commended Avène Counter Assistant of the Year Award

The Avène Counter Assistant of the Year Award proved very difficult for the judging panel who felt they had no choice but to award a Highly Commended as well as a Winner - Highly Commended went to Kathleen Donnnelly of Foster’s Pharmacy, Cavan.

Kathleen Donnnelly, Foster’s Pharmacy, Cavan

Kathleen Donnelly is and has been a well-respected, kind and caring member of the Arva community for over 46 years. Originally from Ballinamuck, Co. Leitrim, Kathleen finished school and began working for Mrs. Doherty in Doherty’s Chemist in 1975. Kathleen initially worked closely alongside Mrs Doherty as a counter assistant, eagerly absorbing all of the information imparted to her and very quickly became Mrs. Doherty’s right-hand woman.

Kathleen and Mrs Doherty worked alongside one another day in and day out as the only two members of staff in the chemist. Her Superintendent Pharmacist says, “Kathleen often talks of the changes she has seen over the years and we are lucky to still possess some of the old prescription books which herself and Mrs Doherty used to record all their dispensing’s.”

In 1992, Mrs Doherty sold the Chemist to John Foster, again Kathleen worked alongside Mr. Foster in the now Foster’s Pharmacy for 13 years, As the business began to expand another employee was hired and the team began to expand. The current

owner, Paul O’Donnell, took over in 2005. Paul and Kathleen have worked closely together often as a duo dispensing up to 400 items, just the two of them, on their “best days” as they are described by Kathleen.

Foster’s Pharmacy serves a large catchment area and customers come from near and far, from three counties and three provinces to avail of the pharmacy’s services with a large majority of them requesting Kathleen’s attention specifically.

“We are extremely blessed to have such wonderful clientele and even more fortunate to have such a dedicated team. We have seven other staff members who have been with us for more than 15 years something which we pride ourselves on. I know that Kathleen has been the glue within the business and the reason why these members of staff are still employed with us today. Kathleen also plays a huge role in the success of the business over the years.

“During the pandemic Kathleen made sure that all of our customers were accommodated and personally delivered scripts and sundries to those who

were too nervous to visit the pharmacy and to those who were unable to get lifts in to collect their prescriptions as they had been restricted. She took the time to contact anyone who she thought may require some extra assistance during these difficult times and made sure that no one went without.”

Kathleen said on winning the Award, “Our entire team has received so much positivity from just being shortlisted for this Award. It has given us an opportunity to demonstrate to the public what it actually is that we do and the services we can provide. I am hugely grateful to have been awarded this accolade.”