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MAY is officially the busiest month in Irish Wheelchair Association's calendar and the team will be enjoying a particularly exciting weekend in Killarney as it officially opens the doors of its new day centre on Friday, May 12. Kerry football legend and Dancing with the Stars winner Aidan O’Mahony will cut the tape at the premises, located in The Reeks, at 2pm.

IWA’s Community Centre will provide a range of essential services and supports to people with disabilities living in Killarney and the surrounding areas. “The opening event will bring together local people, businesses and community organisations as well as members, friends and supporters of IWA to celebrate the official opening of the new community centre,” said Anita Matthews of the association. Local service coordinator Terry O’Brien is among those welcoming the opening, which will be followed by the IWA’s annual general meeting and conference in the INEC Killarney on Saturday, May 13.

Volunteers with the association will be honoured that evening at a gala dinner. “The theme for our national conference is ‘Breaking Boundaries’. We are delighted to announce that Dr Eddie Murphy, consultant clinical psychologist, author and advocate, will act as MC for the event and will facilitate an engaging panel discussion,” said Ms Matthews.

The conference will also include an address from Paul McNeive, a chartered surveyor and managing director of Hamilton Osborne King when the firm was sold to Savills for €50m. “Paul started his career as a trainee in the basement of the firm and not even the loss of his legs in a fire prevented him from rising to the top position to lead 250 staff,” said Anita.
 

 
Above: Aidan O'Mahony.