Offaly Older Persons' Network celebrate Positive Ageing Week

OFFALY Older Persons' Network celebrated Positive Ageing Week with a very successful and entertaining Rambling House event, on Thursday last, October 2, in Tullamore Rugby Club, where attendees enjoyed an evening of music, song, stories, set dancing and craic. The evening was a fundraiser to support Family Carers Ireland carers in Offaly

The evening started off with Molly Buckley welcoming everyone on behalf of Offaly Older Persons' Network. Alice Carroll did an excellent job as MC introducing the performers and encouraging others to participate in what really was a great example of a rambling house in action.

The musicians that entertained everyone and kept the whole event flowing with music and song were Johnny Butterfield, Danny Guinan, Kieran Guinan and sound engineer Dave Peyton. Many of these songs, recitations and music were played throughout the years in rambling houses throughout the county. There was a great array of singers that included Joe O'Shea, Seamus Barron, Oliver Kennedy, Mattie Corcoran, Rita Davis, Agnes Gorman, Mary Corcoran and many more.

The entertainment provided plenty of variety also with the Durrow Set Dancers Marie Coffey, Martin Newton, John Robinson, Maureen Healian, PJ Daly, Ann Coley, Eddie Scully. Jimmy Casey and Chrissy Cummins to the delight of everyone doing not one but two sessions. Rita Davis entertained the audience with two amazing recitations. The Offaly Age Friendly Manager, Gerry Bruton showed that he can sing as well. Johnny Butterfield joined in the fun by inviting the audience to do a duet with him and which at one stage he had about a dozen helpers.

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During the break Beth Wogan from Family Carers Ireland outlined the caring supports that are available in Offaly. Beth thanked the donors of the excellent prizes for the raffle and the support from Offaly Older Persons' Network and all the attendees at the event. The evening was a fundraiser to support Family Carers Ireland carers in Offaly. A nd four happy people went home wit lovely hampers as prizes.

As the evening drew to a close Molly Buckley thanked all who attended showing their support for Family Carers, the musicians and entertainers who eagerly expressed their interest in taking part in this Positive Ageing Week event. Thanks, were also extended to doormen Johnny Carroll and Jim Buckley. Thanks also to The Tullamore Rugby Club. Thanks, also to sound engineer Dave Peyton who ensured that everyone could hear the excellent entertainment. Molly thanked fellow Offaly Older Person’s Network members: Alice Carroll, who did a great job as MC, Beth Wogan and the supports from Declan Costello, Offaly Local Development Company. She also thanked Gerry Bruton, Age Friendly Alliance, Midlands 103 and photographer Ger Rogers. Finally, Molly outlined that if you wish to find out more information about Offaly Older Person’s Network please feel free to contact: Declan at 087 6991226 or dcostello@offalyldc.ie.

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