Celebrations: Silver Jubilee of Longford's Irish Wheelchair Centre

The Irish Wheelchair Association Kenagh Centre is celebrating its silver jubilee anniversary in 2025 and on Tuesday, February 18, a special Mass took place to mark the milestone.

Acting Service Coordinator Noelle Gillen extended a warm welcome to all who were gathered with over 50 people in attendance in IWA Kenagh Centre.

It was an inspirational Mass celebrated by Fr Tom Barden, with the beautiful singing of Tony Moran during the mass embellishing the occasion.

Addressing the congregation, Fr Tom spoke of his huge admiration for the work being done by the Irish Wheelchair Association and its staff and volunteers in Kenagh.

The mass included readings, presentation of gifts and the lighting of candles in memory of all those who have passed to their eternal reward.

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A presentation of crafts and gifts made by members in the Kenagh Centre; Bernard Reilly (crafted stool assembled and weaved); Sean Carthy (St Bridget’s Cross); Orla Mulligan (jewellery & card making pieces); Rose Egan (handmade weaved basket); Jesse Farrell (handmade pottery); Dermot Walsh (IPAD represents the Computer classes); Colm Diffley (group photo of our visit to Dublin zoo); Patrick Hackett (boccia ball & bat winners in the blitz competition); Patrick McNeill (pool cue) and Monica Burke (stained glass painting).

Ms Gillen outlined a brief history of the last twenty-five years since the Centre opened its doors on February 17, 2000.

On that day a quarter of a century ago, nine members attended. Since then, the Centre has acted as a hub in the local community, a place where people can get advice, seek support and learn new skills by taking part in programmes, activities and social events that make a big difference to all their lives.

Ms Gillen highlighted, “Today, twenty-five years on, we have had over 100 members who attended our services. Sadly, some of these members are now deceased, but are fondly remembered.”

At present the IWA Kenagh Centre provides activities such as;
l Computer training, gardening, woodwork,
l Pilates, pool, boccia, bowling
l Jewellery making, arts & crafts, bingo, pottery,
l Healthy eating made easy, health & wellbeing programmes, social outings.

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Thanks to all involved.

Ms Gillen thanked all who participated in the Mass especially the members, Fr Tom Barden who gave so much of his time and dedication in preparation for the Mass, Tony Moran and the staff for the wonderful buffet and those who helped both inside and outside the centre with decorations.

She continued, “We would like to thank Kenagh Co-Op, LWETB, Longford Adult Education, Community Education, Longford County Council, Community Enhancement Scheme, Longford Sports Partnership, Longford County Council, DPOL, St Christopher’s Longford, EDI Centre, Ballymahon Mercy Secondary School Transition Years students & teachers and all who have worked in partnership with us over the last 25 years.

“Thanks to Michelle (tutor LWETB), Ben (staff), members Brid, Cyril, Jesse, John, Tracey, Monica, Pat and Rose who showcased their arts and crafts skill through a drama called Cyril’s Puppet Theatre. It was wonderful.”

Ms Gillen concluded, “I would like to express my appreciation to Linda Tierney our Regional Manager, our dedicated Branch Committee Members led by Mrs Chris Moran, chairperson, all the staff and volunteers whose work and dedication help to make the IWA Kenagh Centre the warm and welcoming place that it is.”