Roscommon OPC meets monthly, either in the Leader offices or in one of Roscommon County Council’s meeting rooms. The OPC meetings serve as a platform for brainstorming, planning, and coordinating an array of social and educational initiatives tailored for groups representing older people across County Roscommon. These initiatives, which are executed on a monthly basis, are designed to enhance the well-being and enrichment of our senior community members.
We organised an Older Men’s Health Morning in the County Library on Friday 14th June 2024. This was held in collaboration with Roscommon County Council’s Healthy Ireland Co-Ordinator and Roscommon Library’s Healthy Ireland Co-Ordinator. There was Chair Yoga, Diet/Nutrition Advice, a Pole Activator Session and Age Friendly information stands there on the morning. The Keynote Speaker was our excellent Ambassador Paddy Joe Burke. We organised a Mobile Health Unit to be available for health checks all day, this had two consultant rooms and was parked outside the library for the morning. Lunch was provided.
Free Roscommon Climate Action Course for the over 60’s
Roscommon County Council’s Age Friendly Unit, Older People’s Council, Climate Action Team together with Roscommon Tidy Towns have organised a 6-week 6 step Climate Action Course for the over 60’s beginning on 16th January 2025. This is open to all our over 60’s, individuals or groups who want to learn about Climate Change in a friendly atmosphere, over a cup of tea.
The developer and facilitator of the course is Jacinta Barrins, CEO of the 60plus Climate Drive Organisation. She has retired from a career at the UN, where her work focused on the environment and climate. She now lives in Galway.
The six-session programme will take place in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon beginning in January 2025. Each session runs for two hours, 10.30am to 12.30pm, there will be a tea break with refreshments.
The dates are:-
- Thursday 16th January 2025
- Thursday 23rd January 2025
- Thursday 30th January 2025
- Thursday 6th February 2025
- Thursday 13th February 2025
- Thursday, 24th April 2025.
Booking is essential, as numbers are limited. To book a place, ring Sheila Coyle on 090 66 37132 or email
Age Friendly Sports Taster Day – this took place on Thursday, 26th September 2024. Fourteen travelled from Roscommon on the Kilbride Community bus, there was a cap on the number who could attend.
The day began with refreshments on arrival. This was followed by a wonderful speech from the Keynote Speaker, our Age Friendly Ambassador, Paddy Joe Burke. He spoke of topics such as the importance of physical activity as we age and loneliness. It was a huge honour to have Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador asked to speak at this event and he did Roscommon proud.
It was a busy day with many Age Friendly sporting activities for all, a very welcome lunch was provided mid way through the activities. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all our Roscommon participants, it finished with a sing song and some stories from Paddy Joe Burke on the journey home!
Age Friendly Christmas Party 2024
Roscommon’s Age Friendly Section and Older People’s Council organised a hugely successful Christmas Festival on Wednesday, 4th December 2024 in Kilbride Community Centre, Roscommon. This was a wonderful event with a large number of groups and individuals from all over Roscommon in attendance.
The event was MC’d by Roscommon County Council’s Communications Officer, Darragh Kelly. He kicked off proceedings by welcoming everyone and letting us know of the many information stands available to visit, that there was a Croí nurse doing free health checks and also free eye health screening with Vision Express.
The speakers were:-
- Amanda Scanlon, Roscommon’s Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator
- Sergeant Damien Bartley, Safety & Security in the home
- Kathleen Shanagher, Lion’s Club, Message in a Bottle
- Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador
Following the speeches there was soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee and treats for everyone. The event finished with music and dancing and a few spot prizes were given out before the band ended proceedings by playing our national anthem. It was a very enjoyable day full of information, nostalgia, chat and laughter.
Back row left to right: Linda Devine, Roscommon Leader Partnership, Darragh Kelly, Communications Officer, Roscommon County Council, Cathriona MacCarthy, Administrative Officer, Roscommon County Council, Sergeant Damien Bartley, Roscommon Longford Crime Prevention Officer, Kathleen Shanagher, Roscommon Lion’s Club, Sheila Coyle, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Roscommon County Council.
Front Row left to right: Bernie Kearney, Chairperson, Roscommon’s Older People’s Council, Amanda Scanlon, Roscommon’s Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator, Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador and Majella Dodd, Vice Chairperson, Roscommon’s Older People’s Council
Post Office
Roscommon’s OPC took a proactive step in February 2024 by submitting a compelling proposal to advocate for the preservation of the Post Office in Roscommon town. Members of the OPC demonstrated their commitment to the community’s needs by engaging directly with decision-makers, including Minister Jack Chambers, local TDs, and councillors.
Through collaborative discussions and advocacy efforts, a consensus was reached to uphold the importance of retaining the Post Office in Roscommon town. This decision reflects the dedication of both the OPC and local representatives to safeguard essential services and maintain accessibility for residents.
The successful outcome serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and collective action. By voicing concerns and working together towards a common goal, the OPC and its partners have made a significant impact in preserving a vital resource for the community.
Roscommon Memory Cafe
Roscommon Dementia Alliance have organised a monthly ‘Memory Café’ which are held in the serene setting of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle (third Wednesday of every month). These gatherings provide a welcoming space for members of the active age group and families impacted by dementia to come together and connect.
Amidst the natural beauty of the park, attendees there is an array of activities designed to uplift and engage. From live music performances to heartfelt songs, the ambiance will be filled with warmth and harmony. Attendees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, sharing stories and experiences in a supportive environment.
In addition to the entertainment, Roscommon Dementia Alliance also offers valuable advice and resources for those affected by dementia and their families. Whether seeking guidance on caregiving or simply looking for a listening ear, support will be readily available.
These monthly gatherings serve as more than just social events; they are a lifeline for those navigating the challenges of dementia. By fostering a sense of community and understanding, the ‘Memory Café’ at Lough Key Forest Park provides solace, companionship and hope to all who attend.
Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador – Paddy Joe Burke
Every local authority in Ireland has their own Age Friendly Ambassador, we are lucky in Roscommon to have the ever affable and wonderful Paddy Joe Burke! This role is carried out by a local high profile person in each county who represents the local Age Friendly Programme on behalf of the Older Peoples Councils. This is an honorary position that has the potential to have a big impact.
His role includes promoting the need to be Age Friendly, and support the local Age Friendly Programme to raise awareness of Age Friendly initiatives
Since the National Launch of the Ambassadors on Thursday 23rd May 2024 in Slane Castle, County Meath, Paddy Joe’s role as AF Ambassador has been enhanced by lots of coverage in the local newspapers i.e. Roscommon Herald and Roscommon People. They have included many pictures and articles of him as our AF Ambassador thus raising his profile in the County.
