THE passing of Lady Valerie Goulding will be mourned by her many friends and admirers in the Kerry area, particularly those who have had cause to avail of the tremendous facility she helped to provide at the Central Remedial Clinic in Dublin.

She will be remembered, in particular, as a pioneer for the proper treatment and care of many thousands of Irish people stricken with polio in the 1950s. Proving that actions speak much louder than words, she co-founded the Central Remedial Clinic in 1951 and for 33 years was its chairperson and managing director.

The clinic continues to provide a wonderful service to almost 3,500 children and 500 adults with disabilities throughout Ireland.

Lady Goulding was a formidable and dynamic force for change and made an outstanding contribution to Irish society during her long life.