Civic reception honouring Offaly's Older People's Council

A civic reception to honour Offaly's Older People's Council and its wider network took place last Thursday July 10 in Aras an Chontae.

The event was hosted by Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr John Leahy, on behalf of Offaly County Council’s elected members.

''Thanks to the work and dedication of the Older People's Council, the older residents of Offaly are recognised as essential contributors to initiatives that directly impact their daily lives. Their active participation in public consultations has ensured that a diverse range of needs are reflected in Offaly’s current Age Friendly Strategy 2024- 2029.'' said Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy addressing the reception.

Offaly’s Older People's Council (OPC) led the challenge against social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with Midlands 103 and other local organisations on the hugely successful radio programme ‘Chatters and Matters’.

Additional activities undertaken by the OPC include ‘The Way We Were’ writing initiative and the recent ‘Felting Project’ led to an invitation from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) for an intergenerational event. All these projects demonstrate a sustained interest in lifelong learning with the Felting project receiving national recognition by Age Friendly Ireland, shortlisted for their Community Innovation award in 2024.

The OPC is an active fundraiser, organising events such as fashion shows and Rambling Houses. They have raised over €10,000 for Family Carers Ireland.

With over 20% of Offaly’s population aged 60 and above, the Older Peoples Council plays a crucial role in integrating the voices of older residents into local government and shaping public services. ''We congratulate Offaly’s Older People's Council on this civic recognition and thank them for their continued engagement in the Age Friendly framework as we work together to make Offaly a great place to grow old'' said Chief

Executive Anna Marie Delaney.Molly Buckley, Chair of Offaly’s Older People Council, spoke on behalf of the OPC and its wider network thanking the Cathaoirleach, elected members and the Chief Executive for the recognition of the work over the past 9 years. Ms Buckley congratulated her fellow council members and thanked them for the ''fun and laughter.''

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Age Friendly Ireland’s Chief Officer Catherine McGuigan applauded the role that Offaly’s Older People's Council play both on a local and national level. The Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service supports cities, counties, and towns across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

Ms McGuigan praised the work and support provided by Offaly County Council’s Age Friendly Programme Manager Gerry Bruton, Age Friendly Technical Advisor JJ Carroll, and PPN Resource Worker Bridie Costello Hynes.

The Age Friendly regional programme manager Eileen Hughes who also attended the event acknowledged the support delivered by Offaly County Council.

Guests were initially entertained by music from Johnny Butterfield and friends before formal proceedings in the chamber.