Radio stations across the country pay tribute as Vicky Phelan laid to rest privately
Vicky Phelan who passed away in the early houses of Monday morning at the age of 48. Picture Naomi Gaffey.
Radio stations across the country, including in Cork, have paid a special tribute to Cervical Check campaigner, Vicky Phelan, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 48.
At 11.15am on Friday local radio stations owned by Wireless played a specially produced audio montage featuring the Kilkenny-born mother of two.
The stations that took part in Cork were 96FM and C103FM.
Ms Phelan has been laid to rest following a private funeral.
In a post on RIP.ie, it was revealed that in accordance with Ms Phelan's wishes, a private funeral has taken place.
She is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Amelia, son Darragh, parents John and Gaby Kelly and her siblings Robbie, Lee, Jonnie and Lyndsey.
Meanwhile, the Late Late Show on RTÉ One will also feature a special tribute to Ms Phelan on Friday evening.
The show will include a special performance by Vicky's favourite band The Stunning. In December of last year Phelan posted on social media that she had “made it” to The Stunning’s gig in Lisdoonvarna.
She said that listening to their songs made her remember her life before illness.
“Two weeks ago, during my appearance on The Late Late Show I was absolutely feckin’ delighted to be serenaded (well maybe not serenaded) but sung to by my favourite band The Stunning.
"I promised Steve Wall and Joe Wall that I would be in Lisdoonvarna on December 4th to watch them play in an intimate gig at the Royal Spa Hotel even if I had to go there in a wheelchair.”
Ms Phelan said that she did not need a wheelchair on the night and that listening to their songs allowed her to remember the illness free Vicky who enjoyed going to gigs with friends.
She passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning at Milford Hospice in Castletroy in Limerick.
She was diagnosed with cervical cancer eight years ago but was given the all clear after long and difficult treatment.
However, in 2018 she was informed that an audit carried out by CervicalCheck found that her 2011 smear test had been reported as a false negative.
Within weeks a CT scan revealed the cancer had returned. The diagnosis was terminal. She went public with what had occurred. Her efforts sparked a debate on the treatment and care of cancer patients in Ireland.
Phelan documented her journey through life in her award-winning bestselling book "Overcoming." She made the decision to cease chemotherapy in November of last year in order to focus on making memories with her loved ones. She had previously travelled to the United States for treatment in a bid to prolong her life.
Virgin Media also announced that a new special ‘Vicky Phelan: In Her Own Words’ will air on Virgin Media One this Sunday, November 20 at 10.30pm.
They said: "Vicky Phelan exposed one of Ireland's biggest medical scandals and campaigned tirelessly on behalf the women affected. Her inspiring story is one of resilience and bravery.
"This documentary looks back at an extended interview with Vicky talking about the 221+ support group, her fight for life-saving treatment and finding happiness and strength in the toughest of times."
BOOKS of condolences have been opened in memory of cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan at Cork County Hall and the Honan Chapel.
Ms Phelan passed away in the early hours of Monday morning at Milford Hospice in Limerick. She died at the age of 48 after a long battle with cervical cancer.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins has opened a book of condolences at Cork County Hall while a book of condolences has also been opened in the Honan Chapel to honour the late Vicky Phelan.
People are invited to leave messages in the book provided in the Honan Chapel. The book of condolences will remain open for one week and will then be forwarded to Vicky’s family.
Honan Chapel is open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm. It is open from 9am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins is inviting members of the public to sign the book and join people in honouring Vicky’s legacy as “an inspiring campaigner for women’s health”.
Mayor Collins said:
"To use her own words ‘Mná na hÉireann: this fight was for you,” he said.
Mayor Collins praised the late Ms Phelan for her ‘immense courage’.
“Vicky’s immense courage and determination gave a voice to women and will continue to inspire us to seek action, change and accountability for women’s health in Ireland.
“On behalf of the elected members and staff of Cork County Council, I wish to extend deepest condolences to Vicky’s family at this most difficult time,” he added.
The book of condolences is available for signing in Cork County Hall and can be signed online by visiting here
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