IRD Duhallow Welcomes Return of Senior's Conference

Do You Live In Kanturk-Banteer?

**Kathleen Moylan, Stephanie Moynihan development officer and Anna Marie Burke, vice chair of IRD Duhallow, presented Darina with a gift basket and flowers at the end of the day.**

The 22nd of November saw the first Senior’s conference since 2019. The event, run by IRD Duhallow, was a day celebrating older people and offers topical talks as well as a lovely day out. SAOI Network Vice Chair Kathleen Moylan opened the event, followed by a welcome on behalf of IRD Duhallow by our vice chair Anna Marie Bourke.

Irish Celebrity chef Darina Allen was keynote speaker on the day, and had a fascinating talk on Forgotten Skills of Cooking. This encouraged avoiding food waste as well as the sharing of family recipes to keep skills and traditions alive. The day was one of varietyCognitive Behavioural Therapist Sharon Clernon gave fantastic Mental Health tips and calming breathing exercises. Nicola Lucey, HSE Support Worker and Singing for the Brain Steering group member delivered a presentation on how music can stimulate bodies and improve memories, followed by Kevin McCormack, Singing for the Brain Music Facilitator giving a demonstration that everyone was invited to join.

Duhallow Community Food Services provided a delicious lunch that was followed with a presentation by Garda Sergeant Mark Daly and Garda Catherine Canty in how to safeguard the home. Community Energy mentor for Cork County, Conor O’Brien gave that all important energy saving advice, and the crowd were reminded of the services in the area. IRD Duhallow Community Services Team Leader Helen O’Sullivan spoke about Services for the Elderly provided by IRD Duhallow including the Warmer Homes Scheme, Furniture Revamp, Community Laundry and Duhallow Community Food Services. To close out the day, Cork Sports Partnership offered an active taster session and welcomed the room to participate. Overall, the day was a huge success and excitement is already bubbling for the next one. Well done to all those involved in pulling together this fantastic day!