Disability groups honoured at mayoral reception

A MAYORAL reception was held in honour of local, national and international organisations for people with disabilities, at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council.

The event was held as part of an international leadership initiative taking place in Ireland this week. Brothers of Charity Services Clare are involved and are hosting a number of guests from other parts of Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Belarus.
Among the groups honoured were Home Share Clare, DPOC, Clare Federation, St Claire’s School, St Anne’s School, HSE, Connect Abilities, Clare Supported Employment Service, Clare Crusaders and the Brothers of Charity Services Clare.
Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy said he was more aware than most about the value of the work they do.
“As the parent of a child with a disability, I am acutely aware of the wonderful and far reaching work carried out by local, national and international disability organisations. Very often, this work goes unrecognised but this evening, I am delighted to be in a position, as Mayor of Clare, to acknowledge the efforts of those who provide invaluable advice and support to persons with a disability.”
He said that people with disabilities have the same hopes as everyone else. “Individuals with an intellectual disability share the same dreams and aspirations as everyone else in the community. They want to access education, choose a career, go to college, have a real job with real pay, to live in safe, affordable housing, no different to the housing that everyone else enjoys, be valued and make a contribution to the wider community. Disability groups help make these dreams and aspirations to become a reality on a daily basis.”
He said that part of the reason for the success of the Brothers of Charity Services Clare had been its focus on building partnerships and links with similar organisations internationally.
Mary Kealy of the Brothers of Charity Clare accepted a presentation from Councillor Mulcahy and she complimented all who had supported the organisation over the years.
“It’s with a great sense of pride that we are here this evening and to everyone that has supported us on our journey, I’d like to say a million thank yous.”
Councillor Joe Arkins said that the voluntary sector has played a very important role in Irish life in recent years. “Over the past number of years, disability has been placed on the map, with an emphasis on equality and integration. The emphasis has changed from why to why not?”
Independent Patricia McCarthy said that it was important to acknowledge disability organisations and volunteers. “This is an opportunity to recognise the worked done, not just by volunteers, but by volunteers associated with them.”