The family of the late Laura Brennan have welcomed a newly unveiled plaque in her honour and say it will act to return the limelight to the roll-out of the HPV vaccine.
The tribute to the late HPV vaccine campaigner, was unveiled yesterday evening as part of one of the last acts of outgoing Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard.
Prior to her passing in 2019, Ennis’ Laura Brennan garnered national attention when she dedicated much of her precious time following her terminal diagnosis to campaigning for a greater uptake of the HPV vaccine.
Thanks to her advocacy work, the vaccine uptake rose to 90% in her home county of Clare and to 80% nationally.
However, in March of this year it was revealed that this figure had dropped to around 53%, with 32,000 students unable to receive the vaccine due to school closures and other difficulties caused by the pandemic.
Laura’s family are now hopeful that the newly unveiled plaque, which is purposefully located on the side of the Queen’s Hotel to target the younger generation, will act as reminder of the importance of the vaccine.
Laura’s father Larry Brennan says they will continue to campaign for a catch-up vaccination programme to be rolled out and that this tribute to his late daughter will give them the opportunity to raise the issue with the Minister for Health once more.
The plaque itself has a black granite base, with Laura’s image permanetly etched into it.
An important feature is the blue HPV vaccine symbol, the only colour featured, to symbolise the importance of Laura’s advocacy work.
A telling quote from the late Laura is included which reads “Live The Best Possible Life You Can”, followed by by the hashtag – Protect Our Futures.
Creator of the plaque, Kilnamona sculptor, Michael McTigue says he was nervous as to whether the memorial would live up to Laura’s legacy.
The plaque dedicated to the late Ennis woman came as one of the last acts of outgoing Mayor of Clare, Mary Howard.
The Fine Gael Cllr was determined to pay tribute to the late Laura Brennan, with whom Cllr Howard says she was in awe of.
The inclusion of the HPV vaccine symbol as well as the targetted location of the plaque were both important factors in the efficacy of conveying Laura’s message, according to the Ennis Councillor.
Mary Howard says the plaque is already successful in drawing in passers-by and will advocate for the uptake of the vaccine.
