'An honour' - Waterford woman awarded for her outstanding contribution to cancer research

Chantal Halley from Kilmacthomas was honoured at the Irish Cancer Society Research Awards for her outstanding contribution and support to cancer research across the island of Ireland. 

The awards ceremony was held at the Irish Cancer Society Head Office in Ballsbridge, Dublin on Thursday, 20 February to commend those involved in ground-breaking research projects across the country. In 2024 alone, the Irish Cancer Society funded over 25 new research projects and over 180 cancer researchers across the country.

The event was hosted by the Irish Cancer Society’s Head of Research Dr Claire Kilty and celebrated the amazing work being carried out by people in Ireland to further cancer research. One of these people is Chantal Halley.

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Chantal, who now lives in Tramore, was honoured with the Support Staff of the Year Award in recognition of how she goes above and beyond in her role as Engagement Research Manager at the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI).

Commenting on her remarkable achievement, Chantal said: "I’ve never really thought of myself as the kind of person who wins awards. My focus has always been on the work, on supporting my team, patient advocates, PhD students, and Postdoctoral Fellows within the AICRI start programme, making sure they have what they need to succeed.

"To be recognised for something that I genuinely do, day in and day out, is incredible. This is the work that matters to me, and to have that recognised by the Irish Cancer Society is an honour.

"This award is also an important recognition for everyone who works in similar roles. Research is not a straight path. It relies on many moving parts, and each of us plays a role in keeping things moving forward. Some are at the forefront, in labs, hospitals, and clinics. Others are presenting findings to policymakers, working to turn research into real-world change.

"And then there are those, like me, working behind the scenes, trying to turn ideas into action while simultaneously helping to facilitate opportunities for collaboration."

Irish Cancer Society Head of Research Dr Claire Kilty congratulated the winners at the event, saying: "Cancer research in Ireland has a huge impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. It is a driving force in improving not only treatments and outcomes, but in quality of life beyond cancer. It was fantastic to get an appreciation of the amazing cancer research projects currently happening right across the country.

"We are proud to be the largest voluntary funded of cancer research in Ireland. However, none of the vital research we fund would be possible without the support of the public, especially on days like Daffodil Day. We would encourage everyone to please get out there and support Daffodil Day in whatever way you can on March 28th."