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Annual Age Friendly Ireland Convention Addresses the Merits of Preventive Healthy Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity 

Over 200 older people from across Ireland gathered in Tallaght, for the 2025 Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPCs) Convention. This year’s event placed a national spotlight on preventive over reactive healthcare, brain health, and intergenerational solidarity as keys to ageing well.  A key highlight was a personal fireside conversation between Brendan Courtney, the Convention’s MC and broadcaster; and Professor Ronan Collins, Age Friendly South Dublin Ambassador, Consultant in Geriatric & Stroke medicine and current RCPI National Clinical Lead for Stroke.

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Brendan Courtney – Master of Ceremonies speaking at the National Older People’s Council Convention 2025 at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght
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Professor Ronan Collins – SDCC Age Friendly Ambassador speaking at the National Older People’s Council Convention 2025 at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght

Professor Collins reflected with Brendan on their shared experiences and discussed the urgent need for earlier intervention, community awareness, and open conversations between generations on healthy ageing. This year’s Convention theme — The Wisdom of Years: A Lifetime of Perspective — was shaped through consultations with older people across Ireland on the issues that matter most to them. 

Spanning two days at the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght, the Convention featured keynote addresses from national and local leaders, including Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD, alongside policy updates, expert panels, and interactive workshops. Highlights include a national update from Age Friendly Ireland, a panel discussion featuring leaders in health, insurance, and the arts, and a series of field-based activities such as a local housing site visit to The Weir, which is centred on high-quality living environment for older residents; a walkability audit at Tallaght Stadium; and active ageing classes.

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Kieran O’Donnell Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Housing – Local Government and Heritage and Cllr Mick Duff with Brendan Courtney – Master of Ceremonies, Elaine Leech -SDCC Director of Housing – Social and Community Development, Catherine McGuigan – Chief Officer Age Friendly Ireland, Mary Lyons – Chair of South Dublin Older People’s Council, Ita Healy, Kieran Kehoe – CEO Meath County Council and Professor Ronan Collins – SDCC Age Friendly Ambassador at the National Older People’s Council Convention 2025 at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght
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Kieran O’Donnell Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Housing – Local Government and Heritage speaking at the National Older People’s Council Convention 2025 at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght

The programme also includes a panel discussion moderated by Catherine McGuigan, with participants including:

  • Colm Ward (Chief Executive, South Dublin County Council)
  • Dr Graham Hughes (National Clinical Programme for Older People)
  • Moyagh Murdoch (CEO, Insurance Ireland)
  • Mike Hanrahan, musician, member of band Stocktan’s Wing and Clare Age Friendly Ambassador. 

Hosted by South Dublin County Council in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland, the Convention plays a key role in shaping Age Friendly planning across the country, which is coordinated nationally by Age Friendly Ireland, the national body for Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities, delivering the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland. 

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Mary Lyons, Chair of the local South Dublin Older People’s Council, added: “We have heard at the convention this year that ageing well is not about adding years to life, it’s about adding life to years and through our local OPC, we share the wisdom of our years with the next generation. With this in mind, I would urge everyone to join their local OPC to ensure they have a say in the policy decisions being made for their future of ageing well. This is where your voice can be heard and where your experiences shape the services and policies that affect your daily life. Join us by visiting www.agefriendlyireland.ie or contacting your local authority.” 

Speaking at the event, Colm Ward, Chief Executive, South Dublin County Council said: “We’re proud to host this year’s Older People’s Council Convention, which highlights the vital role older people play in shaping our communities. This event reflects our commitment to building an inclusive, age-friendly society where prevention, participation, and intergenerational support are central to how we plan for the future.” 

 
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Executive, Age Friendly Ireland added: “The National Convention for OPCs continues to serve as a key moment in the Age Friendly Ireland calendar — fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and shared responsibility in our ageing society. This is all about learning from those who’ve lived it. The collective experience is a national asset, and this Convention is an opportunity to turn that wisdom into action.” 

Download the OPC Convention 2025 Brochure Here


Day 1 Gallery

Day Two Gallery