A Day in the Life: Mary Gilligan, Instructor – HSE Mid West Disability Training Services
In this blog, Mary Gilligan shares what motivates her in her role, the strong team spirit she works within, her hopes for future services, and how she maintains balance in her busy life.
Meet Mary
My name isMary Gilligan, and I’m an Instructor with HSE Mid West Disability Training Services, working across two locations: the Dulick Centre in Ennis and the Orchard in Kilrush, County Clare. I’ve been working in disability services for several years and feel very lucky to have a role where I can make a real difference every day.
In addition to my teaching role, I’m also the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Link Practitioner for the Clare services, a Designated Officer for safeguarding, and I provide training to service users on relationships and sexuality. These roles are crucial for ensuring safety, fostering understanding, and building confidence for everyone we work with.
Originally from Clare, I work with adults in day services to help them live as independently as possible. Outside of work, I love running, I completed the Dublin City Marathon last year. I’m married with two little boys, who I absolutely adore. Life is busy, but full.
About Disability Services in the Mid West
HSE Disability Training Services in the Mid West are all about empowering people to live rich, full lives. We work with adults over the age of 18 across several locations in Clare and Limerick, offering a mix of Day Services and Rehabilitation & Training (RT) programmes.
The focus is on person-centred planning, tailoring each individual's supports based on their own goals, needs, and aspirations.
In places like the Dulick Centre and the Orchard, where I work, we offer structured, supportive environments that help people build independence and confidence. Whether its life skills, personal development, access to education, health and wellbeing or developing roles in the community, we support each person in their own unique journey.
A big part of our approach is promoting community inclusion. We want people to be active citizens — volunteering, accessing mainstream services, building real relationships outside the service.
What Drives Me
I love supporting people to become more independent, confident, and engaged in their communities. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone move towards their goals, whether that’s building life skills, finding new friendships, or taking the next step in their living arrangements.
My Favourite Part of the Day
My favourite part of the day is spending one-to-one time with service users, especially when I get to witness a breakthrough moment. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or simply seeing someone smile because they feel seen and heard — those moments stay with me.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
Recently, I worked alongside other services to help one of the people I support move into their own home, with wraparound supports in place.
It was a huge project and a real team effort. Seeing them thrive in their own space in the community has been one of my proudest career moments.
This year, we’ve focus a lot on healthy eating and exercise. Supporting a group of service users to start going to the local gym was a big achievement. Over time, they built up their confidence and now attend independently outside of service hours. It’s amazing to see them not only improving their well-being but also forming real community connections within the gym.
Our Big Focus Right Now
Community inclusion is a big focus. We work hard to ensure that every individual feels part of their local area and has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Whether that’s through volunteering, attending events, or simply making local connections, it’s all about making sure people are seen as active citizens.
Our Team Spirit
We’ve got an amazing team, supportive, driven, and always ready to go the extra mile. Everyone brings their own strengths, and we work really collaboratively. There’s a real sense of respect, and that filters through to the service users, who are very much at the centre of everything we do.
Looking Ahead
I’d love to see more age-appropriate services developed for older people with disabilities, somethingthey can transition into as they grow older, rather than automatically being placed in a nursing home setting. A dedicated day service that recognises and supports the needs of older service users would make such a difference. It would offer continuity, dignity, and a sense of belonging, while still promoting independence and community connection at this stage of life.
Life Outside of Work
Running is my go-to, it clears my head and keeps me grounded. Spending time with my husband and boys is also really important to me. They keep me on my toes and bring so much joy to my life. I also love catching up with friends and family whenever I can. It’s so important to have that balance and time to recharge.
Final Reflections
I’ve always believed that everyone deserves to live a meaningful, connected life — regardless of ability. That belief led me into this field, and it continues to guide my work every day.
I feel incredibly privileged to do the work I do. Each day is different, and I’m continually reminded why I love it. The people I support inspire me constantly, and I learn just as much from them as they do from me.