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IRD Duhallow’s 6th Annual Senior’s Conference
IRD Duhallow’s 6th Annual Seniors’ Conference took place on the 12th of November 2024 in the marquee at the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, with over 180 guests in attendance. The event was officially opened by SAOI Network Vice Chair Kathleen Moylan, followed by a warm welcome from IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Ann Maria Bourke.
SAOI is IRD Duhallow’s ActiveRetirement Network, representing 21 active retirement groups throughout the Duhallow region. The network promotes the participation of older people in local decision-making processes, encouraging and supporting them to avail of the various opportunities available. It also highlights and values the role and contributions of older people in Duhallow by coordinating the efforts of locally established active retirement groups to address regional needs.
IRD Duhallow was delighted to welcome guest speaker Eileen Fehin, who shared her inspiring journey of living with a brain injury and how she continues to persevere despite numerous challenges. She highlighted the various supports available to those in need. Eileen was joined by Norina Nagle of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, who discussed the organization’s vital work in rebuilding lives over the past two decades.
Next, IRD Duhallow’s Horticulturist Rachel Budd provided valuable gardening tips, including advice on garden maintenance and growing one’s own produce.
The conference also featured a panel of speakers showcasing the wide range of services IRD Duhallow offers to support the elderly community. These included Warmer Homes, Furniture REVAMP, Community Laundry, and Duhallow Community Food Services. Attendees gained great insight into the practical assistance available in their local area.
The event continued with presentations by Collette Vaughan on welfare rights, Finola McCarthy on her Life-Long Learning for Older Adults project at UCC, and John Noel Cronin, who inspired attendees with his talk on the joys and accessibility of solo travel.
A delicious lunch, catered by Duhallow Community Food Services, was accompanied by delightful music from Sheila Fitzgerald.
After lunch, Mary O’Reilly, a Cardiologist Nurse, educated attendees on the dangers of coronary artery disease and its warning signs. The conference concluded on a high note with an uplifting performance by Marie Twomey and Singing for the Brain.
The event was made possible through funding from the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), 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, as well as HSE funding.
