Press Release
For Immediate Release:
23 June 2026

Dungarvan Native Catherine Twomey Honoured with the South East IACP Regional Award

Catherine Twomey of Dungarvan County Waterford has been honoured with the South East 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.

Catherine’s leadership and commitment to improving professional stands and supports for counsellors have left a lasting impact on clients and colleagues alike throughout her career in private practice and work at the Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre (RCC). Her accomplishments included establishing a dedicated counselling centre, improving employment conditions for counsellors, advocating for the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Waterford, and developing the “Let’s Talk About Consent” schools programme.

IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy said: 

“I am delighted to congratulate Catherine Twomey on receiving the South East Regional Award. Throughout hera career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting individuals affected by trauma, while also championing the development of counselling and psychotherapy services across the South East region. 

Catherine’s work has been characterised by compassion, integrity, and a deep belief in the importance of client-centred care, this award recognises not only her significant professional achievements, but also the profound difference she has made in the lives of countless people. We are honoured to celebrate her contribution to the profession and warmly congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition”.

In 2010, Catherine joined the National Counselling Service in the South East, where she continued her work with trauma survivors until her retirement in 2023. Throughout her career, she remained a passionate advocate for clients, championing improved services, supervision, and legal protections for survivors of sexual violence". 

Award recipient Catherine Twomey MIACP, remarked:

“I am truly moved and grateful to my peers in the SE region of the IACP for this recognition. I share this with my friends and colleagues in the SE Adult Counselling service, as you motivate me to strive for excellence. To my family, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you”.

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.