A man with wide connections in many social, educational and business organisations in the region has been elected the new chairperson of Drogheda Homeless Aid.
Noel French, who has been an independent member of Meath County Council since 2014, was elected to the position at the organisation’s annual general meeting held at its hostel in Drogheda, where it caters for 28 men along with families in nine houses in Louth and Meath.
Noel French succeeds Paul Murphy, who has stepped down from the role but remains as a board member of the organisation, which was founded by Sr Cait Fitzgerald in the 1980s.
The new chairperson, who lives in Trim, and who lived in Drogheda for a period, also works in Co Louth. He is a well-known historian and has published more than 30 books and articles. He has a long-term commitment to community work and has been involved in areas of addiction treatment, environmental issues, tourism and heritage.
Paying tribute to the outgoing chairperson, he said that he had made an impressive contribution to Drogheda Homeless Aid over a long period of time.
“He has taken the organisation through some challenging times and his knowledge and experience in the organisation is a valuable asset to us going forward.”
Mr French also paid tribute to the board members and to the staff led by CEO Mandie Walsh for their continued work in addressing the problem of homelessness.
Summing up the past year in the organisation, Paul Murphy said it had been a difficult one with regard to funding but various issues in that sector had been resolved. Drogheda Homeless Aid continues to be funded by Louth County Council, Meath County Council, and the HSE, and through fundraising events.
Other elections at the AGM included Vice-Chairperson Cathal Thornton, Secretary Emma Cutlip and Treasurer Maria Ward. Other board members include Joe O’Loughlin, Shane Kelly and Carol Murphy. Two new members being inducted are Noel Feeney and Bernard Fox.
Welcoming the election of Noel French, the Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power said he believed he would be a great addition to the role. He said he also learned that another Noel – Noel Feeney – was returning to the board of DHA, which was great. He believed that Noel had “roped me in” to participate in the DHA Christmas sleepout.
The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Sarah Reilly said that she had had the pleasure of working with Noel French for over 12 years as a fellow county councillor on Meath County Council.
“Throughout that time I have always found Noel to be hardworking, genuine and courteous and someone who is very committed to the community he represents. I have no doubt that he will be a fantastic asset to the team at Drogheda Homeless Aid. The organisation does hugely important work supporting people who are experiencing homelessness and vulnerability and I wish Noel every success in his role. I look forward to seeing the contribution he will make to the organisation and the people it supports.”
