Exploring the professional experiences of Nuala Tierney, a pioneer occupational therapist who began working in Ireland in the year 1967

Background: The study is part of a wider project researching the history of occupational therapy in Ireland at the University of Limerick, Clinical Therapies Department. As there is limited literature available on the history of occupational therapy in Ireland, it is envisaged that this study will contribute to a greater awareness of the experiences and the contributions that occupational therapists in Ireland brought to the profession. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the career of Nuala Tierney, a pioneer occupational therapist who began working in Ireland in 1967. The aim is to focus on the early years of her training and career to document her contributions to the occupational therapy profession. Methods: A qualitative oral history methodology was carried out using a case study design. The method of data collection was semi structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Results highlight the experiences and contributions made by Nuala Tierney, who began working in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), which was formerly known as the National Medical Rehabilitation Centre (NMRC) in the late 1960s when Nuala began working there. Themes that emerged from the data include early training; early treatment methods in the NMRC; and development of services within the NMRC. Conclusions: By documenting the experiences and contribution of this pioneer, it is anticipated that this study will add to knowledge of the history of occupational therapy in Ireland and contribute to a greater understanding of the development of our professional identity.