Scores of over 55s flocked to an older person’s only event in Ballyliffin last week where they enjoyed music, dancing and informative talks.
‘Ageing Well’ was a collaboration of the Donegal Older People’s Council and Inishowen Development Partnership and the event was very quickly booked out with more than 160 older people attending the event in the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel.
Guest speaker and performer was Donegal Age Friendly Ambassador and traditional musician Moya Brennan.
There was also a presentation on the ‘Living Will’ from Clodagh McGuinness of the Irish Hospice Foundation and Bill Vaughan spoke to people about how important it is to mind your mental health as you age.
Musician Shunie Crampsey wrapped up proceedings and had everyone up on the dancefloor for a bit of ceol agus craic.
Aine McLaughlin, Community Development Officer with Inishowen Development Partnership, said they were blown away by the response from the wider community and thanked everyone for attending.
“The response to this event has exceeded our expectations and we are delighted to say that this will become an annual event in conjunction with the OPC,” explained Aine.
Gwen Mooney, Chairperson Donegal OPC said they are astonished by the popularity of their first event of this kind in Inishowen.
“This was our first event in Inishowen and we know it will connect older people and give voice to the specific issues for older people living here.”
See photos from the day here:
All smiles and giggles for this young lady
Moya Brennan with members from the Ceol Le Cheile Intergenerational choir Janet Gaynor, Christine Carlin and Eileen McLaughlin
Gwen Mooney Chairperson Donegal Persons Older Council, Moya Brennan Age friendly Ambassador and Evelyn McGlynn Donegal Mammy Facebook page
The women from Clonmany are Mary McConway, Aine McLaughlin from IDP and Kathleen Kelly
Sinead McDaid from IDP with her mammy Monica Callaghan
Albert Doherty Donegal Conty Councillor and Charles Sweeny Donegal Age Friendly Programme Manager
Inishowen Development Partnership Staff