Our Team

Dr. Norma Jean Murphy is a clinical and counselling psychologist and a graduate of Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin and University of Galway. She is a Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland. She has a long-standing interest in the psychological aspects of physical health and illness and is passionate about supporting those impacted by health-related concerns. She joined Cancer Care West in 2017 and is dedicated to supporting patients and family members impacted by cancer-related distress.

Dr Helen Greally, Ph.D. qualified as a psychologist in 1982. She has worked with Cancer Care West since 2007 and was instrumental in establishing the current Support Centre in 2009 and was Director of support services until 2025. She has an abiding interest in improving quality of life for those living with cancer. She currently works part time in the centre as a clinical psychologist.

Martina Hickey has worked at Cancer Care West since 2007. She completed her RGN training at the Whittington Hospital, London, and her Higher Diploma in Oncology at NUI Galway in 2005. She has worked at Laurence Hospital, Bronxville, New York and the SAOLTA University Healthcare Group in the Respiratory Unit at Merlin Park. She has a special interest in lung cancer having worked in this area both in Ireland and abroad.

Elaine Corcoran is an oncology nurse at Cancer Care West since 2007. She completed her Higher Diploma in Oncology from UCD IN 2005. She has worked for the SAOLTA University Health Care Group in Galway and Castlebar as well as St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin. She has a specific interest in providing emotional support to cancer patients and their families and she completed a Certificate in the Psychology of Counselling from NUI Galway in 2013.

Dr. Nora Eilert completed her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at Trinity College Dublin in 2018 and since 2021 has been working in the Cancer Care West Support Centre Galway. She uses an integrative approach to support people directly or indirectly affected by cancer, collaborating with them in identifying their needs and working towards their goals. Nora has a keen interest in peer support and leads various peer support groups for those affected by cancer. She is an experienced researcher and has published her work in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Róisín Finnegan is a Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland. Róisín is a clinical psychologist and joined Cancer Care West in 2024 following the completion of her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University of Galway. She has a long-standing interest in working therapeutically with clients impacted by health-related distress. Using a compassion focused and integrative approach, she works collaboratively with patients and family members affected by cancer. Roisin also provides dedicated support to children and teenagers.

Dr. Tara Geraghty is a Clinical Psychologist who joined Cancer Care West in 2024, after completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Galway. She uses a person-centred approach to support people directly and indirectly impacted by cancer-related distress or bereavement. She has a specific interest in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis, using a collaborative, compassion-focused approach. Tara also provides dedicated support to children and teenagers affected by cancer; whether they are facing their own diagnosis, coping with a loved one’s illness, or experiencing cancer-related bereavement.

Dr. Naoimh Howe is a Clinical Psychologist. She completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Galway and joined Cancer Care West in 2025. Naoimh has a specialist interest in supporting individuals and their loved ones affected by cancer, recognising the emotional and relational impact of diagnosis, treatment, and bereavement. Her therapeutic approach is person-centred and compassion-focused, offering a supportive space to navigate challenges, build on personal strengths, and work towards meaningful goals that enhance emotional wellbeing.

Alazne holds a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from The University of Galway. She is a qualified Smart Yoga Teacher, Fitness instructor and Exercise for Health Specialist (Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) Ireland). She joined Cancer Care West Support Centre in February 2023. She believes in making exercise fun and accessible to all cancer patients, whatever stage of the cancer journey they are at. She holds the BACPR (British Association Certificate for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation) and the Level 4 Exercise Specialist for Cancer. She offers a range of individual and group sessions.

Anne O’Dea is the administrator in Cancer Care West Support Centre. In this position Anne works closely with colleagues and new clients. Anne has over 20 years experience in healthcare settings and enjoys welcoming clients to our beautiful Centre.

Laurena worked for many years as a Senior Executive Officer in Galway City Council and holds vast experience in Housing, Finance and Planning services. In the various roles, Laurena has worked closely and built strong relationships with other service providers (both statutory and voluntary bodies). This has given her a great insight and understanding into the kind of challenges faced by those affected by cancer and provides her with the experience, expertise and skill set to assist, support and advocate on their behalf.

Elaine Grehan qualified in manual lymph drainage and decongestive lymphatic therapy at the Dr. Vodder Schule in Austria in 2007. She has been treating cancer related secondary lymphoedema both privately and in cancer care centres since then and joined Cancer Care West in 2014. Elaine’s philosophy is to facilitate patients in managing their own condition, achieving the best possible outcome for their quality of life, general health and wellness. Lymphoedema therapy at Cancer Care West covers the four cornerstones of treatment: skincare, exercise, compression and manual lymph drainage.

Áine Delaney
Acupuncturist, SRN, Lic. Ac.

Áine Delaney is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Acupuncturist with over twenty years of clinical experience. She is a professional member of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland and holds qualifications in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland, Nanjing University in China, and the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, USA.

Based in Galway, Áine has been providing acupuncture treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, integrating her nursing background with Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2024, she joined Cancer Care West, where she continues to support patients with compassionate, holistic care.

In 2006, Anne founded the Galway and Western Region Irish Brain Tumour Support. She holds a B.A. in Spirituality and Pastoral Care from the University of Wales as well as certificates in counselling and related areas from UCD, The Irish Hospice Foundation and Waverley College, Surrey. She offers individual support to people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

Alark Lopez is a professional dancer and violinist who started ballet and violin at 7 years old. Now based in Galway, she teaches Latin dance and music internationally. She proudly represents Ireland at the Sara Panero Ladies International Team Events.

Justina McElligott qualified as a massage therapist in 1995 and has been working with Cancer Care West since 2009. She is a member of the Irish Massage Therapist Association. She holds a diploma in Ki Massage, awarded by IHCA and holds certificates in Physiology and Anatomy from City and Guilds London. In 2008, she undertook specialised training with Gayle MacDonald (OHSU Hospital Portland Oregon) in Massage for People Living with Cancer. Justina uses massage to optimise an individual’s health and to minimise the effects of stress.

Claire is a member of the National Register of Reflexology of Ireland. She has been working in the complementary therapy field for over 10 years in both her own private practice and with Cancer Care West. Over the years Claire has completed specific training in Reflexology and Cancer Care in both Ireland and the UK. She has completed counselling skills workshops, has attended lectures on the emotional effects of cancer, and is also a Reiki practitioner.

Pauline has been teaching yoga and mindfulness to people impacted by cancer since 2009. She joined the team at Cancer Care West in 2019. The classes she facilitates are structured to suit the needs of the client and are client-led. Offering support and care, these classes aim to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Practicing mindfulness and guided relaxation can help to reduce stress and tension.