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Spreading Joy at the Carlow Older Persons Forum Christmas Party

The Woodford Dolmen Hotel was alive with festive cheer on a crisp Tuesday morning, December 10th, as Carlow County Development Partnership (CCDP) and the Carlow Older Persons Forum (COPF) hosted their annual Christmas Party. This cherished event brought together older people from across County Carlow for a heartwarming celebration of community, connection, and Christmas spirit.

Adding to the excitement, KCLR provided a live broadcast from the foyer, sharing the joy of the event with listeners across the region.

Inspiring Words and Heartfelt Music

The morning’s program featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who shared messages of support and celebration:

  • TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor highlighted the importance of unity and caring for our older generations.
  • Cathaoirleach Fergal Browne praised the event’s role in strengthening community ties.
  • Niamh Murphy from Care and Repair spoke about the vital work being done to support older people in staying safe and independent in their homes.
  • Chief Superintendent Anthony Farrell emphasised the importance of community safety and partnership.
  • COPF Chairperson Joe Butler expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contributions of all attendees and supporters.

The atmosphere in the main room was truly magical, thanks to Kevin Byrne, whose musical performance filled the air with holiday joy, and the talented CCDP choir, whose songs uplifted everyone in attendance.

No Christmas celebration would be complete without gifts! Thoughtfully prepared Christmas bags were distributed to all in attendance, adding a touch of holiday magic to the day.

The annual Christmas Party is more than just a festive gathering—it’s a celebration of the invaluable contributions of older people to the Carlow community. This year’s event was a shining example of how shared moments of joy and connection can bring people together.

From the inspiring speeches to the beautiful music and the tangible sense of community, the morning was filled with laughter, smiles, and goodwill. Everyone left with warm memories and a little extra holiday cheer to carry them through the season.

To the organisers, speakers, performers, and attendees: thank you for making the day so special. Here’s to another year of community and connection in Carlow!

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Positive Aging Week

Carlow Older Persons Forum invite you to join them in celebrating Positive Ageing Week 2023, a national event that recognises the value and contribution of older people in their communities and society. The theme for this year is Challenging Ageism, which aims to address the stereotypes and prejudices that impact older people and their participation and inclusion.
As part of the celebrations, Carlow Older Persons Forum is organising a series of free events in collaboration with Carlow County Development Partnership, the Carlow County Council Age Friendly office, and other local agencies and community groups that support healthy ageing and wellbeing for older people. These events will include workshops, talks, walks, social activities and more.
The launch event will take place in at 6.30pm at SETU on Monday 2 nd October with a screening of the ‘Doorstep Dances’ documentary and will include live music and refreshments. Doorstep Dances was a six-week dance and movement programme where participants engaged in a series of 1-2-1 & in person workshops lead by local dance artist Roisin Whelan. Each week Roisin and the Doorstep Dances team visited homes across Carlow to dance, chat and even have a cup of tea. Each dance
session was designed and tailored to meet participants needs, abilities and music choices. Local filmmaker Patrick Bramley will also create a film documentary capturing the whole process.
This event is free but places are limited so please contact Valerie McDonald in Carlow County Development Partnership to secure your place. T: 059 972 0733 | M: 086 0117761 mailto:vmcdonald@carlowdevelopment.ie
The full programme of events for the week can be found on the Carlow County Council and Carlow County Development Partnership social media pages.
Full event brochures are also available from the information stand at Fairgreen shopping centre or by ringing the Age Friendly office in Carlow County Council on 059 9136207 or contacting Joe Butler, Chairperson of Carlow Older Persons
Forum at jbutler@carlowolderpersonsforum.ie.
We are also delighted to announce that Carlow Age Friendly will provide funding up to a maximum amount of €200 toward transport costs to attend the any event. Community groups must arrange their own transport, confirm the details of this prior to the event with the Age Friendly office and claim the funding by producing a receipt after the event.
These events are the outcome of a public planning session held in An Gairdin Beo in earlier this year, organised by Carlow Older Persons Forum. For more information on Positive Ageing Week, please contact Carlow Older Persons Forum at Mob: 085 850 5549 or email jbutler@carlowolderpersonsforum.ie
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Be Kind Project

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Carlow County Development Partnership are proud to be supporting these local Projects

We are delighted to be support the Elderflower Garden Club, The Be Kind Project and Carlow Older Persons Forum.  Check out this little video on their important work.

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Meeting members of the Roma Community

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Older Persons Forum Official Launch Oct 2022

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