19/10/2026
The Chair of the Mental Health Commission, Dr John Hillery, was officially awarded Clare Person of the Year 2026 by the Clare Association Dublin at an awards ceremony in Newmarket on Fergus on Saturday night.
Dr Hillery, who has been on the Board of the MHC since November 2020, was chosen for the award in recognition of his distinguished contribution to medicine, public service and the advancement of mental health and intellectual disability services.
“Dr Hillery has Chaired the Board of the MHC through one of the most significant periods for mental health laws in Ireland, with the passing of the new Mental Health Act 2026 through both houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year,” Mental Health Commission Chief Executive John Farrelly said.
Dr Hillery said of the award: “I thank the Clare Association for considering me for Clare Person of the Year 2026 and I am pleased to accept this award. In doing so, I reiterate my determination, in my role as Chair of the Mental Health Commission Ireland, to work together with my colleagues to implement the new person-centred, rights-based approach to mental health service provision legislated in the new Mental Health Act 2026. This approach will benefit, immeasurably, Irish mental health services and their users for many years to come.”
