Dr Jerry Cowley has championed the right of people to live in their own area and have adequate services. He is chairman of the Rural Doctor's group. He is former Mayo Person of the Year and Rehab People of the Year Award winner. He is a founding member and former Chairman of the National Federation of group Water Schemes, as well as the Irish Rural Dweller's Association. He is a member of the board of the Irish Council of Social Housing and is presently chairman of the Special Needs ICSH Subcommittee. He is founder and chairman of the Safe-Home Organisation which has found secure accommodation all over Ireland for 600 older Irish long term emigrants who would not otherwise be able to returm home to Ireland in their final years. He is also chairman and founder of St. Brendan's Village recognised as an EU model of test practice in supporting older people in their own community. He is married to Teresa (nee Staunton from Lecanvery) and has five children.