Mayoral Reception For Disability Groups

The event was held as part of an international leadership initiative taking place in Ireland this week.

Brothers of Charity Services Clare are a host site for a number of guests from Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Belarus.

Among the disability groups honoured this evening 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 Brothers of Charity Services Clare.

Addressing those in attendance Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said: "I would like to pay tribute to all organisations involved in providing support to people with disabilities. In County Clare we are fortunate to have a considerable number of voluntary groups and organisations that provide a range of supports to persons with a disability."

"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 added.

Commenting on the work of Brothers of Charity Services Clare, Mayor Mulcahy stated: "One of the contributing factors to the organisations’ success has been the building of partnerships and networks with other organisations internationally who have been involved in similar endeavours and hold the same belief and values in the potential of people with disabilities to live fully inclusive lives."

"This partnership building has provided the opportunity for individuals, families and staff to learn, challenge, share experiences and build lasting and meaningful relationships with people from as far away as Australia, Canada and the United States", he added.

Mayor Mulcahy continued: "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 a 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."

Mayor Mulcahy concluded by praising the efforts of all local, national and international disability organisations and wishing them continued success in the future.