The Helping Hand Award 2020

The Helping Hand Award 2020 was presented to

David Donnellan, Managing Director, Xpert Professional. Ger Hand, Technical Manager, Xpert Professional. for their work with Down Syndrome Ireland.

‘Beauty in all its forms’ is a joint initiative by Down Syndrome Ireland & Alfaparf Milano Ireland. Adult members of DSI complete 15 weeks of training and education as ‘Trainee Hairdressing Assistants’ in local hair salons around the country that host the programme. The trainees also are provided with training at the fabulous educational facility ‘Academia’ by the great team there.

All this gives the DSI trainee hairdressing assistants new experiences, fun interactions and new skills.

Previous recipients of the Helping Hand Award include Frank Hession, Ciaran Nevin, Karen McArdle, Anna Furlong and Aidan Fitzgerald to name just a few down through the years.

GOOD SALON GUIDE the best salons in Ireland, the UK and the UAE

membership includes Independent recognition of your salon standards Business advice and support when you need it Your salon profile on goodsalonguide.com, which receives around 1.2million hits per month Dedicated members’ area on goodsalonguide.com filled with downloads and special offers Online booking where clients can request appointments with you directly And much more!

For further information on membership, go to goodsalonguide.com

“Anthony was a complete gentleman and so easy to work with. He was a most complete hairdresser, a client’s dream be it for a wedding or a regular salon visit. An expert in all aspects, not only in the salon but also in the teaching arena. I worked with Anthony on many teaching situations, in-salon for Schwarzkopf accounts, academy-based seminars in both Ireland and the UK, and stage presentations. Anthony was always courteous, even when things were not as he wished, no throwing toys out of the pram. Affable, Attentive, Respectful, Well Mannered, Thoughtful. Just a few words to describe this Skilled hairdresser. I am proud to be amongst his many friends, and will miss him, RIP Anthony.” - ( Peter Munton )

“During my first trip to a national hair competition I saw Anthony working on his models and was fixated on his skill, precision and the final result. I wanted to compete from that day. Thank you Anthony for your inspiration. Rest in peace - (Maeve O’Healy-Harte)

Sharon Mc Guigan was born to be a hairdresser. A master of her trade with the ability to teach many. Her scissors took her to many places Sligo, Carrick-On-Shannon, and to Dublin working for Robert Chambers but her grá was her home town of Clones and there her business has been thriving for 40 years. A legend and pillar of her community, known for her kindness and generosity by all. Her salon was her hub for everything she achieved and loved and on her final journey over a thousand people applauded her as she was carried by for the last time. It was a hair standing moment her family will never forget. She is deeply missed”. - ( Morganna Audley )

“I met, lived with and worked with Sharon in Sligo many, many years ago. Her laughter, energy and fun nature during our time together made her someone you couldn’t possibly forget. I have lots of great memories. Rest now Sharon” xx - ( Maeve O’Healy-Harte ) “I’ve known Jerry for over 30 years and in all that time he was a constant entertainer with his mischievous sense of humour. Jerry was one of those special individuals you might be lucky to meet once during your lifetime. He was many things, a perfectionist, a true master craftsman of hairdressing, humble and modest despite his flamboyance (he was always dressed immaculately, head to toe in top designers). He was utterly devoted to his wife Mary and their children Karl and Victoria and besotted with his grandchildren. Jerry is sorely missed and a great loss to all who knew him right around the country” - ( John Russell )

“Jerry & Mary gave me my start in hairdressing, I spent the first 3 years of my career as an apprentice in Jerrys Hair Studio on Careys Lane in Cork. Jerry was a mentor and coach to me during those formative years and I can certainly credit my attention to detail and high standards to him. It was such a great pleasure to have the ability to work with Jerry and Mary and their talented team in the salon for so many years when I worked as Education Leader in Ireland. The evolvement in our relationship was very special and I valued the opportunity to support Jerry and Mary with their business. Jerry is a huge loss to us all – the Irish hairdressing community has lost a true legend” - ( Sinéad O’Sullivan, Global Wella Education )

“I was truly sorry to see the loss of a very dear friend John Maher. John helped and guided, educated and mentored so many incredible hairdressers within our industry. He gave so much opportunity to many wanting to embark on their hairdressing future. He was the life and soul of a salon. Bringing laughter and joy to everyone. I was fortunate enough to have worked alongside John who brought me confidence and courage to stand on many stages when he was present! We were very lucky to have had John bring his knowledge and expertise to Hairdressing Live on several occasions. John leaves a massive mark on so many of us. He will live on in our memories forever” - ( Paul Davey )

“I worked with John Maher many years ago and greatly admired his work. He had a lovely calmness about him but at the same time was witty to the extent of being hilarious and fun to be with. He was a great educator and generous to all with his knowledge. He will be missed but not forgotten in the industry.” - ( Maeve O’Healy-Harte )