Press Release
For Immediate Release:
15th June 2026
Galway’s Margaret Tierney Honoured with the Western IACP Regional Award
Award Celebrates Outstanding Contributions to the Counselling/Psychotherapy Profession
Margaret Tierney of Ballybane, County Galway has been honoured with the Western Regional Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at its 11th Annual Conference.
The IACP Regional Awards recognise an accredited member who has made notable contributions to the profession of counselling and psychotherapy in their local community and region.
Margaret Tierney is a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor and has been practicing for more than 16 years. Her work is rooted in listening carefully, meeting people where they are and offering steady support rather than quick fixes. It was the experiences she encountered in her former role as a human resources specialist that gave her a profound understanding of the workplace pressures and the personal challenges people carry that inspired her to study and pursue a career as a therapist, earning a BSc. in Counselling and Psychotherapy from PCI and Middlesex College.
IACP Cathaoirleach Jade Lawless commented:
“A big congratulations to Margaret Tierney on receiving the Western Regional Award for her long-standing commitment to increasing the accessibility of therapeutic services. The impact of her work, leadership, and dedication to her community is an inspiration to us all.”
Margaret practices from the ARD Family Resource Centre in Doughiska, where she has been central to making counselling more accessible. She introduced a low-cost counselling service for families, ensuring that financial pressure is not a barrier to seeking help.
Award recipient Margaret Tierney, MIACP, remarked:
“I am honoured to receive this award and very grateful to the IACP and the Western regional committee for this recognition. My work has always been shaped by a belief that everyone should have access to support, understanding, and compassionate care, regardless of their circumstances. It has been a privilege to work alongside individuals and families in the community, and this award means a great deal to me. I share it with all those who continue to do important work every day to support mental health and wellbeing in our region.”
Margaret is deeply involved in fundraising and raising awareness for suicide prevention and works tirelessly with various charities to ensure that everyone can access mental health supports.
The annual awards ceremony was held at the IACP’s 11th Annual Conference at the Johnstown Estate, Co Meath.
IACP Award Recipients:
Carl Berkeley Memorial Award: Séamus Sheedy
Public Inspiration Award: Paula Doyle
Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary Award: Fiona Martin-Peelo
Research Excellence Award: David Kelly
Research Bursary Award: Evelyn Waters
Undergraduate Research Excellence Award: Barbara Fiori
Regional Award Recipients:
Dublin Regional Award: Fr Donal Toal
Midlands Regional Award: Maura Carey
North East Regional Award: Tom Tate
Northern Ireland Regional Award: Sr Briege Reynolds [posthumous]
Southeast Regional Award: Catherine Twomey
Southern Regional Award: Debbie Hegarty
Western Regional Award: Margaret Tierney
West/North West Regional Award: David Madden [posthumous]
ENDS.
Notes to the Editor:
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the IACP Communications Department at communications@iacp.ie
Nicole Mac Dermott, Communications Supervisor - 087 720 6033 Wayne Tobin, Communications Officer - 089 214 2276
About IACP:
The IACP was established in 1981 to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. Our work promotes best practice and the development of the profession. The IACP represents 7,000 members based in communities all over the country and is the largest counselling and psychotherapy association in Ireland. The IACP is dedicated to promoting the value of professional therapy and enhancing mental health throughout Ireland. For more information please visit www.iacp.ie.
