Today, we celebrate the incredible career and lasting impact of Gerardine ‘Ger’ Corkey, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on Oaklee and the many lives she has touched in the last 16 years.
During those years, Ger has become more than just a Scheme Coordinator—she has been a leader, mentor, and friend to both colleagues and residents alike. Her tireless efforts in fostering stronger communities, advocating for resident well-being, and going above and beyond to ensure that every resident felt safe and valued will not be forgotten.
Ger’s warmth, kindness, and dedication made her a true "Housing Hero," earning her well-deserved recognition in the CIH All-Ireland Housing Awards in 2023. Whether it was securing vital resources, supporting local initiatives, or simply sharing a smile and kind words with those around her, Ger’s work has always been driven by a deep sense of care and compassion.
As she embarks on this new chapter of life, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service, her unwavering spirit, and the positive change she has brought to so many.
Impact on Hawthorn Court and the Celbridge Community
Hawthorn Court, Celbridge, Co. Kildare is a sheltered scheme for persons over 55 and people with a disability. It is a diverse community with people from all walks of life and different ethnic backgrounds. Owned and managed by Oaklee, over 45 residents reside in self-contained apartments within Hawthorn Court, living independently through the assistance of the wonderful scheme coordinator, Gerardine Corkey who enabled all this to happen for 16 years.
Throughout Ger’s time at Hawthorn Court, she had a significant impact on the lives of the residents. She went above and beyond for any resident, there isn’t a day that she hasn’t helped or supported a resident and their family in some way, shape, or form. Ger wholeheartedly deserves to be recognised for her positive contributions to the residents, their families, and the community in Hawthorn Court and Celbridge Town. She has spent years empowering the residents to have their voices heard and ensure they receive the best possible care when and if required.
Some of the residents in Hawthorn Court are considered vulnerable and with Ger’s commitment and dedication, she got to know everyone on a one-to-one professional basis. For many, she is the only person they may have spoken to on any given day and because of the trusting professional relationships she has built with residents, she is often a point of contact in their hour of need. Ger was often the first to recognise a change in residents whether that be physically or mentally and over the years she left no stone unturned in her efforts to support the community in getting the appropriate support and care required.
She was proactive and always seeking new ways to improve the lives of the residents in Hawthorn Court. The pandemic had such a negative impact on the community, that residents became isolated, and for some, it saw a decline in their physical and mental health. As a frontline worker she was aware of the impact her support would have on the community of Hawthorn Court. She wasted no time ensuring that Oaklee implemented the relevant measures, allowing Ger to continue providing the best possible support safely through such difficult times.
Social Investment Fund
Following the pandemic, and over the past 2 years, Ger actively explored ways to support residents in reintegrating into society and set out to look at possible funding streams that could be applied for on behalf of Hawthorn Court. A working group was set up and Ger played a significant role in identifying The Housing Finance Agencies Social Investment Fund, this being a potential key to assisting Ger to enable reintegrating the residents of Hawthorn Court post-pandemic. It was decided that an application would be submitted on behalf of three Oaklee sheltered schemes. Substantial funding was secured, and Ger was the driving force in securing this and has supported several activities and purchases of equipment to support residents in their daily lives.
This was a key contributor to enable Ger’s efforts in reintegrating residents into the community. The following achievements and outcomes including:
Digital exclusion and poverty became very evident during the pandemic. The fund has supported the purchasing of a new computer and printer so that computer classes arranged by Ger can be facilitated. Hawthorn Court residents are learning how to use a computer, send emails, access the Tenants Portal on Oaklee’s website and search the web safely.
Ger identified the need for tenants to become more active and went about sourcing age-appropriate exercise classes (Gong Oi) which started in January 2023.
Ger works with residents on their fears of socialising again following the pandemic by arranging activities such as trips to the cinema, Bord Gais Theatre, The National Ploughing Championships 2022, Flower Arranging Workshops and a lunch at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2024.
Resident Tributes
Betty Joyce - “Ger was the GLUE that holds Hawthorn Court together, she went the whole NINE MILES to make our lives here safe, happy, comfortable and enjoyable. Her integrity is unquestionable, and she will be greatly missed.”
Maureen Lawler - “We had a GEM in Ger! Her encouragement, support and organisation skills are invaluable to the tenants in Hawthorn Court. She is passionate about her work and always looking for new ways to support us in thriving. She enabled Gong Oi classes in the scheme and courses in communication and technology to further support us in connecting with the world as we know it today. She has made such an enormous impact on my life and has empowered me to live my life to the full.”
Thank You Ger!
As you retire, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your dedication, hard work, and kindness over the years. Your commitment to Oaklee and the communities you have supported has made a lasting impact, and your efforts will never be forgotten. You embody everything the Oaklee values stand for - agility, empathy, and ambition!
You have been a guiding light for colleagues and residents alike—always going the extra mile, always offering a helping hand, and always bringing warmth and positivity to those around you. Your passion for people and community has truly made a difference.
Though we will miss you, we are so happy for you as you step into this well-earned new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and all the wonderful things you love.
Thank you, Ger, for everything!
With appreciation and best wishes,
Your Oaklee Team
