Over 100 older residents from across County Kerry attended the Annual General Meeting and Information Day of the Older People’s Council Kerry in the Rose Hotel, Tralee on 3rd October 2025.
The Chair of the Kerry Older People’s Council, Catherine Lenihan, welcomed the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Cllr. Michael Foley and Age Friendly Ambassador for County Kerry, Francis Brennan to the event. A warm welcome was extended to all older individuals, community groups and networks in attendance from across the county.
The aim of the Older People’s Council AGM and Information Day was to promote the Age Friendly Kerry Programme and attract new members to the Older People’s Council.
Catherine Lenihan, Kerry Older People’s Council Executive Chair, gave an update on the role of the Older People’s Council Executive. Davina Griffin, Age Friendly Programme Manager updated attendees on the activities of the Kerry Older People’s Council Executive and the Age Friendly programme over the last year along with plans moving forward, including the development of a new Age Friendly Kerry Strategy. Dara McGuigan, Age Friendly Ireland Regional Manager for the West, provided an overview of the Age Friendly Ireland. Francis Brennan, Age Friendly Ambassador for County Kerry, partook in a Fireside Chat and Questions and Answers session from the audience.
Catherine Lenihan, Chair of the Executive Committee of the Older People’s Council, called for all residents of County Kerry aged 55 and over to input to the development of the new Age Friendly Kerry Strategy during the public consultations being held in early 2026.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Michael Foley said: “The Older People’s Council is vital in ensuring that the voices, lived experiences and wisdom of our older citizens is heard. I am proud to support this Information Day, which celebrates active ageing, community involvement and the ongoing contributions of older people to our county. Part of plans going forward is the development of a new Age Friendly Strategy for Kerry. Insights of older people across Kerry will be sought to shape priorities within the strategy and how we continue to build Kerry as an Age Friendly County.”
Age Friendly Ambassador for County Kerry, Francis Brennan said, “I am proud to attend the Older People’s Council AGM and Information Day. Older people are a source of lived experiences which can enrich our county and shape the priorities of the county strategy. As Age Friendly Ambassador, I continue to support the work of the Age Friendly Kerry programme in helping Kerry grow as an Age Friendly County.”
Dara McGuigan, Age Friendly Ireland Regional Programme Manager for the West, said: “I am delighted to attend the Kerry Older People’s Council AGM and Information Day. Age Friendly Ireland will continue to work with the Age Friendly Kerry programme to make sure the voice of older people is heard, which is essential in shaping the next Age Friendly Kerry strategy.”
Residents of County Kerry aged 55 and over who would like to learn more about getting involved in the Older People’s Council can contact the Kerry Age Friendly Programme Manager, Davina Griffin, by email:
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