Saoi

Saoi Network - Duhallow Actively Retired Groups

The Saoi Network, one of the longest established networks operating under the umbrella of IRD Duhallow, consists of 21 active retirement groups spread throughout the Duhallow region. The network focusses its efforts on making improvements to the quality of life and wellbeing of older people in the region through increased provision of services and supports targeting senior citizens and by facilitating social outing opportunities for people to engage in and promoting the third Age concept.

Saoi Network

After being unable to meet in a meaningful way during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAOI Network was delighted to resume meetings in late 2021. IRD Duhallow hosted a workshop for Senior Citizens on coping with anxiety and the unknown during the COVID-19 pandemic. This amazing workshop with Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Sharon Clernon focused on tips and techniques on dealing with anxiety uncertainty, change and the unknown as well as managing worries and fears.

Dawn Mass

Maura Walsh, CEO of IRD Duhallow, along with visitors warming up with a nice cup of tea after the Dawn Mass

For the launch of the Duhallow Bealtaine Festival, IRD Duhallow ’ s Saoi network, was delighted to celebrate the annual Dawn Mass at the Source of the Blackwater on the 23rd of March 2022. Blessed with wonderfully mild and sunny weather, a very special and wonderful morning was enjoyed by all. Mass was celebrated by Father Tarrant of Ballydesmond accompanied by delightful musical performances by Anne Marie Lehane and her son Luke.

The location of the Source of Blackwater symbolises the start of new life and deep appreciation and love for nature, which Father Tarrant so fittingly emphasised on during the celebration of mass.

Afterwards, delicious treats were served by Duhallow Community Food Services. This Dawn Mass had to be held at this earlier time, rather than it’ s usual date in May, due to the breeding of protected species and license requirements.

Bealtaine 2022

The Duhallow Saoi Network was delighted to see a return of the Bealtaine Festival post COVID-19 with many of the favourite in person events back on the calendar. Bealtaine is a festival held throughout the month of May, which aims to promote actively ageing and encouraging older people to get involved in their community.

Hundreds of older people got involved in events in their community with a wide range of activities from the Duhallow Dawn Chorus, Tea Dances, to Culture and Heritage evenings, as well as Chairperson Jack Roche ’ s Famous Mystery Tour, Walks, Day Time Cinema and the Duhallow Seniors Concert.

Senior Alert Scheme (SAS)

The Senior Alert Scheme continues to fund the provision of socially monitored alarms to householders over 66 years of age and IRD Duhallow is one of a number of companies registered with Pobal to deliver this scheme. This highly popular service allows qualifying householders to receive a free alarm and pendant which can be worn around the wrist or neck. When pressed it connects wirelessly to a base unit which is linked to your landline or mobile phone. This base unit immediately sends a call to a 24-hour monitoring centre. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along with one year ’ s free monitoring. After one year, the householder must pay the monitoring fee ranging from €65 to €137. However, if there is no suitable landline available and a mobile signal is used to connect the equipment to the monitoring provider, a fee will be charged annually for SIM credit. In 2020, over 181 applications were approved by Pobal, and the alarms were installed by Tunstall Emergency Response. We continue to promote this service through the Saoi Network, Duhallow Revamp, Duhallow Community Laundry, DCFS and the Community Care group.

Friendly Phone Call Service

IRD Duhallow ’ s Friendly Phone Call Service has been in operation for over 10 years and provides companionship to people over the phone continuing to seek volunteers to provide this very important service for the communities it is serving. IRD Duhallow proudly offers this fully confidential service tackling loneliness and isolation.

Con Sheehan and Margaret Foley alongside Stephanie Moynihan of IRD Duhallow opened the Daytime Cinema in celebration of Bealtaine 2022. Almost ready to start the film! Development Officer Stephanie Moynihan welcoming all present for the annual Daytime Cinema Jack’ s Mystery Tour 2022 in full swing with participants enjoying a great day out.

As part of Bealtaine 2022, Newmarket Thursday Club hosted an afternoon of traditional music, song, storytelling and recitation alongside a beautiful Art & Craft display in the CYMS Hall Clondrohid Active Retired Group on their scoraíocht night in the Community Hall for Bealtaine Festival.

The Tureencahill Singers were delighted to perform at the Bealtaine Festival Concert in Castlemagner