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New buses driving community living for St Mary of the Angels residents

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Shopping, movies, gym sessions and overnight stays - new buses are allowing residents of St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort access the local community more regularly.

From horse riding and hairdressing appointments, to library visits and sports, more transport means more regular activities beyond their home. Skills teaching plays a big role in each of the community outings. The importance of road safety, the use of traffic lights, how to choose from a menu, or pay for an item in a shop - these are all independent skills people can practise and achieve in the community.

St Mary of the Angels was initially funded for one wheelchair accessible bus but it soon became apparent that with more transport, more residents could access activities outside of the campus. There are now three buses, which allows the Social and Recreational Service team to carry out leisure sampling activities for each of the residents.

DAY TRIPS

The additional transport affords the freedom to go on faraway day trips without clock-watching to get the bus back. The team have also been able to facilitate and commit to weekly community activities such as gym sessions, swimming at the community pool, beautician appointments, personal shopping, meals out and many more. Each outing is tailored to the wants and goals of the person.

The extra transport also supports the residents to go further afield for overnight trips. One resident, Tomas, went to Cork City for the night, visited Fota Wildlife Park, did some shopping and took in a movie and dinner. The pure joy that this trip alone brought to Tomas was easy to see. Previously, with only one bus, the other people that live with Tomas would have been house-bound for two days to allow this trip to happen.

Another resident, Reece, is supported by the Social and Recreational Service to attend the gym in Killarney each week for his personal training session with coaches, Connor and Stephen. Not only have these gym sessions contributed to his health, Reece has built a great rapport with his coaches and the other staff. He is known by name by the regulars that train at the same time as him.

These are just two examples of the many experiences that each individual now has, made possible by the new buses and the Social and Recreational Service. Goals for 2023 include numerous overnights for many residents, as well as community art classes and day trips!

HSE Cork Kerry Disability Services welcomed the allocation of once off national funding that allowed for these new buses.

"This funding has allowed us to update aged vehicles across a number of agencies in Cork and Kerry. St John of God Services received funding to purchase two extra vehicles for their day and residential services and what a difference it has made," Majella Daly, Head of Disability Services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, said.

"You can see how much it has enhanced the lives of the residents. It gives them so much freedom and independence, as well as opening up a whole world of activities that adds meaning to their day. They get to meet new people, plan days out and integrate more into their local community. It's fantastic to see how the new buses have helped to change and improve lives."

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MTU hosts Active Ageing Festival at Kerry Sports Academy

Young students got to share their learning skills while an older group showed patience and experience during the ‘Active Ageing Festival’. Held in Munster Technological University last week the event, […]

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Young students got to share their learning skills while an older group showed patience and experience during the ‘Active Ageing Festival’.

Held in Munster Technological University last week the event, in conjunction with Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership (KRSP), saw 150 people engaged with a busy schedule of activities, facilitated by the students and staff of the Department of Health and Leisure Studies.

Dr Barry Moynihan, Consultant Geriatrician in University Hospital Kerry opened the event with an informative talk on the importance of movement as we age.

Many community organisations and networks were represented on the day such as HSE, Baile Mhuire, Kerry Library, Kerry Call, SeanChairde, Centre of Smart Ageing, Probus and Age and Opportunity.

Activities such as Pickleball, Bowls, Better Balance Better Bones, Dance and Yoga were also showcased.

Gearoid O’Doherty, coordinator of the KRSP, highlighted the need for more community-based activities for older adults across Kerry and the role of the partnership in supporting this development.

It is hoped that other venues across the county can facilitate a similar event in the future.

MTU lecturer and event coordinator Eimear Foley, spoke of the mutual benefit that this day provided to both participants and students.

“The real-life experience afforded to the students is immense, with involvement in planning, delivering and evaluation of the event to the fore.”

Within their course, the concept of being active across the lifespan is embedded and this opportunity for the students to engage in real life learning is paramount. Older people can generate community-based learning experiences not only for themselves but also for the young. Many of the participants commented on the professionalism, warmth and enthusiasm of the students, whilst the students were delighted with the patience shown to them and ease of conversation with the participants.

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Killarney to feature on TG4’s Country Music show

By Sean Moriarty A song about Killarney – once made famous by local Country Music hero Dermot Moriarty – will feature on TG4 tomorrow night (Tuesday). The second series of […]

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By Sean Moriarty

A song about Killarney – once made famous by local Country Music hero Dermot Moriarty – will feature on TG4 tomorrow night (Tuesday).

The second series of the Irish channel’s County Music show ‘Viva Ceol Tire’, which highlights emerging Country Music talent in Ireland, airs every Tuesday night at 9.30pm.

The next programme will feature Donegal singer David James’ version of ‘Oh Killarney’.

The programme was filmed entirely on location in Killarney including Torc Waterfall, Ladies View Moll’s Gap and Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

“The song was written by Dennis Allen. However, it was a hit for Dermot Moriarty in the 1980s. The first time I heard it I loved it and I was thrilled with the reaction my version has got,” James, who is from the small village of Killean in Donegal, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It’s pretty rural but I love it. I’ll be in Country Music 10 years this May. My first gig was in the local GAA hall for my aunt’s 50th birthday. I was 14 and I’ve been at it ever since.”

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