Women of Honour member honoured at Municipal District Civic Awards

ROSCREA woman, Yvonne O'Rourke, was among those honoured at the Thurles Municipal District Civic Reception awards ceremony held in Templemore Arms last Thursday evening.

Yvonne O'Rourke was nominated for the award by Cllr Michael Smith, who said he was delighted to nominate Yvonne O’Rourke for a Municipal District Civic Award.

“Sometimes in life, one is confronted with very serious and virtually shattering challenges. We show our true character in how we deal with this kind of adversity,” he said.

“Yvonne joined the Defence Forces in 1991 at the age of 17. Like any new job opportunity, she was full of hope and excitement for her future. In any workplace, there should be mutual respect, dignity, and a duty of care for all. Unfortunately, elements within the Defence Forces had a culture of bullying, intimidation, violence and sexual harassment.

“I don’t know of many faced with the same situation, could muster up the ability to cope with this so well. Steadfast in her belief and determination, Yvonne was going to fight the tyranny of bullying and sexual harassment to the bitter end. Undaunted by the vendetta, that was likely to follow by joining the Women of Honour, Yvonne faced the task that lay ahead with bravery, courage and conviction. Yvonne wanted everyone who joined the Navy, Air Corp and the Army to be treated with respect and get fair play, justice and equality.

“The report which was commissioned and published heard testimonies of over 500 former members. Its findings were that the Defence Forces is an unsafe environment for men and women and needs urgent reform. Being able to display such bravery and unyielding spirit makes Yvonne a worthy recipient of a Municipal Civic Award. I wish her well and the Women of Honour on their quest for justice and fairness,” concluded Cllr Smith.