IRD Duhallow’s 5th Annual Senior’s Conference

Dress For Success

IRD Duhallow’s 5th Annual Senior’s conference was held on the 15th of November 2023 in the marquee at the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket with more than 200 guests in attendance. The event was opened by SAOI network Vice Chair Kathleen Moylan followed by a warm welcome from IRD Duhallow Assistant CEO Eileen Linehan.

IRD Duhallow Assisant Manager Eileen Linehan

SAOI is IRD Duhallow’s Active Retirement Network, and it represents 21 active retirement

groups throughout the region. It helps to value the role and contribution of older people, as well as helping with access to opportunites and different supports.

Irish Gardening Expert Peter Dowdall was the keynote speaker, and he shared his passion for gardening with the delegation and gave a compelling presentation on the importance of green spaces. Peter’s gave attendees an opportunity to address gardening questions and queries.

Stephanie Moynihan

Kathleen Moylan

Peter Dowdall

Eileen McCarthy

IRD Duhallow’s Social Farming Coordinator and Horticulturist

Rachel Budd harvested a selection of vegetables grown on the James O’Keeffe Institute grounds, and this was presented to Peter Dowdall; a real taste of Duhallow! A hamper was gifted by Duhallow Community Food Services including freshly baked goodies, locally produced Jack McCarthy’s Rashers and Sausages as well as a jar of Duhallow Honey. Speakers on the day included IRD Duhallow Community Services Team Leader Helen O’Sullivan on IRD Duhallow’s Services for the Elderly, Eileen McCarthy on Communication Skills, Newmarket Social Welfare Branch Manager Colette Vaughan on Senior Citizen Entitlements, Sergeant Mark Daly and Catherine Canty Gardai on how to safeguard your home in the darker winter months and beyond as well as Active Taster Sessions provided by Cork Sports Partnership.

Mary Kelliher

Helen O’Sullivan

Colette Vaughan

Sergeant Mark Daly

Tim Burke and Mary Kelliher

The freshly prepared lunch by Duhallow Community Food Services was enjoyed by all as was the beautiful accompanying music played by Sheila Fitzgerald.

The conference was funded through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021 -2027 and HSE funding.