On Wednesday the 10th of DecemberCarlow County Council, together with the Older People’s Council, celebrated the launch of the Age Friendly Carlow Strategic Plan 2025–2029 at VISUAL Carlow. The occasion began with a lively OPC Christmas Social, where attendees gathered for festive refreshments, conversation, and entertainment before the formal launch proceedings began. A highlight of the morning was the presence of acclaimed actor and performer Patrick Bergin, whose deeply engaging set brought laughter, nostalgia, and musical energy to the room. His contribution set a warm and celebratory tone for the day, perfectly aligning with the community spirit at the heart of the Age Friendly programme.
A Memorable and Heartfelt Performance
Patrick Bergin captivated the audience with:
- A highly entertaining poetry recital, delivered with his signature storytelling flair
- Personal reminiscences of growing up in Carlow, which resonated strongly with local attendees
- A crowd-pleasing selection of Johnny Cash songs, performed with Bergin’s trademark richness and warmth
Demonstrating his generosity and ongoing connection to Carlow, Patrick also donated one of his own guitars to be raffled among members of the Older People’s Council — a gesture that was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation.
Leadership in Age Friendly Development
Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, highlighted the collaborative foundation of the strategy:
“This plan is the product of listening — listening to older people, listening to community partners, and listening to the realities of life in Carlow today. It reflects our shared vision for a county that values and supports its older population. I am honoured to stand with our partners and our Older People’s Council as we move into the implementation phase.”
A Strategy Shaped by Community Insight
Following the social gathering and entertainment, formal proceedings began with the launch of the county’s new four-year Age Friendly Strategy. The plan outlines the shared commitments of Carlow County Council and its partners to deliver meaningful improvements in areas such as housing, transport, outdoor spaces, community participation, health supports, and communication.
Coilin O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, spoke about the significance of the initiative:
“This Strategic Plan represents a clear commitment to supporting our older residents. It is built on partnership, insight, and a strong belief that Carlow can continue to grow as a county where people of all ages can thrive. We are proud to champion this work and to implement actions that will strengthen wellbeing, inclusion, and independence for older people.”
Older People at the Centre
Joe Butler, Chairperson of the Older People’s Council, emphasised the importance of older people leading and shaping the agenda:
“This strategy shows that older people are not on the side-lines — we are active contributors. Our lived experience guided the development of this document, and it gives us great confidence to see our voices reflected so clearly. We look forward to continuing this partnership over the coming years.”
Turning Vision into Action
Martha Jane Duggan, Age Friendly County Programme Manager, acknowledged the dedication and collaboration behind the plan:
“The Age Friendly Carlow Strategic Plan 2025–2029 gives us a practical roadmap for delivering improvements that truly matter. Its actions are achievable, evidence-based, and informed by strong community engagement. I am grateful to everyone who participated in shaping the plan and who will support its implementation.”
Strengthening Community Connections
The morning’s combination of festive social gathering, engaging artistic performance, and strategic launch reflected the values of the Age Friendly Programme: connection, participation, respect, and shared purpose.
