Roscommon Age Friendly Information Event – Kilbride Community Centre

Roscommon Older People’s Council hosted a wonderful Age Friendly Information Event in Kilbride Community Centre, Roscommon on Wednesday, 28^th May 2025.

^{Bernie Kearney, Older People’s Council Chair & MC / Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon Age Friendly Ambassador}

The day commenced with everyone visiting the many and varied information stands that were there. A warm welcome was given by the MC for the day, Roscommon Older People’s Council Chair, Bernie Kearney. This was followed by an eloquent address from Roscommon’s Cathaoirleach, Paschal Fitzmaurice after which there was an informative update given on Age Friendly Ireland from Eileen Hughes, Regional Age Friendly Programme Manager. Cathal Cox, Assistant Chief Fire Officer then spoke about the importance of fire safety and smoke alarms in the home, he invited everyone to visit the Fire Services stand that was there. The speeches concluded with Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador who was as eloquent as always and gave everyone plenty to think about.

^{Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council / Eileen Hughes, Regional Age Friendly Programme Manager / Cathal Cox, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Roscommon Fire Services}

There was a bit of light exercise introduced at this stage with Roscommon’s Fit Farmer, Laura Tully, she also introduced a few easy exercises that could be done at home.

There were two excellent workshops thereafter. The first one was from the Marie Keating Foundation which focussed on Skin and Bowel Cancer and the preventative measures to take now. This was followed by a very informative presentation from Cathriona Hodgins, Nutritionist who detailed the important foods that people should be eating as they age.

The day finished with music from Roscommon Older People’s Council member, Veronica Barrett accompanied by renowned musician and Roscommon Leader Partnership staff member, Fiona Sirr and very welcome sandwiches, tea and most importantly plenty of chatting!

_{Veronica Barrett, Older People’s Council & Fiona Sirr, Roscommon Leader Partnership}