Molly Buckley, Chair of the Older People's Council, with other members of the Felting project at the civic reception. They were joined by Gillian Cunningham from LOETB (far left)

Offaly’s Older People's Council honoured at civic reception

Published: Fri 11 Jul 2025, 5:01 PM

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy, on behalf of Offaly County Council’s elected members, hosted a civic reception to honour Offaly’s Older People's Council and its wider network in the Áras an Chontae on Thursday evening.

“Thanks to the work and dedication of the Older People's Council, the older residents of Offaly are recognised as essential contributors to initiatives that directly impact their daily lives. Their active participation in public consultations has ensured that a diverse range of needs are reflected in Offaly’s current Age Friendly Strategy 2024-2029.” said Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy addressing the reception.

Offaly’s Older People's Council (OPC) led the challenge against social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with Midlands 103 and other local organisations on the hugely successful radio programme ‘Chatters and Matters’. Additional activities undertaken by the OPC include ‘The Way We Were’ writing initiative and the recent ‘Felting Project’ led to an invitation from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) for an intergenerational event. All these projects demonstrate a sustained interest in lifelong learning with the Felting project receiving national recognition by Age Friendly Ireland, shortlisted for their Community Innovation award in 2024.

Joining the Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy and Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney in presenting the scroll to Offaly’s Older People's Council Chair Molly Buckley were elected members, Deputy Tony McCormack TD, and members of the management team. Also present were Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer (BR, 2nd from right) and Eileen Hughes Regional Programme Manager Midlands (BR-far right) from Age Friendly Ireland

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy presenting Chair of Offaly’s Older Peoples Council, Molly Buckley, with the civic reception scroll.

The OPC is an active fundraiser, organising events such as fashion shows and Rambling Houses. It has raised over €10,000 for Family Carers Ireland.

With over 20% of Offaly’s population aged 60 and above, the Older People's Council plays a crucial role in integrating the voices of older residents into local government and shaping public services. “We congratulate Offaly’s Older People's Council on this civic recognition and thank them for their continued engagement in the Age Friendly framework as we work together to make Offaly a great place to grow old” said Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney.

Molly Buckley, Chair of Offaly’s Older People's Council, spoke on behalf of the OPC and its wider network thanking the Cathaoirleach, members and the Chief Executive for the recognition of the work over the past nine years. Ms Buckley congratulated her fellow council members and thanked them for the “fun and laughter.”

Age Friendly Ireland’s Chief Officer Catherine McGuigan applauded the role that Offaly’s Older People's Council play both on a local and national level. The Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service supports cities, counties, and towns across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

Ms McGuigan praised the work and support provided by Offaly County Council’s Age Friendly Programme Manager Gerry Bruton, Age Friendly Technical Advisor JJ Carroll, and PPN Resource Worker Bridie Costello Hynes. The Age Friendly regional programme manager Eileen Hughes who also attended the event acknowledged the support delivered by Offaly County Council.

Guests were initially entertained by music from Johnny Butterfield and friends before formal proceedings in the chamber.