RETIREMENT EVENT AT SALTHILL HOTEL, GALWAY.

**Julie Silke Daly pictured with Angela Talbot, Marie Coen, Eileen Costello-Conneely, John McHugo, Fionnuala Douglas and Margaret Molloy**

Ability West hosted a Retirement Event at the Salthill Hotel in Galway on Tuesday, December 17th, to honor employees with long service who are retiring in 2024.

The event was expertly MC'd by Pat Mulrooney, who began by sharing the incredible total of 353 years of service collectively represented by the retirees.

The retirees being celebrated for their long service in 2024 included: Clare Loughnane (36 years), Angela Talbot (25 years), Patricia Stanley (36 years), Margaret Molloy (41 years), Marie Coen (42 years), Kathleen Kearney (25 years), Patricia Conroy (25 years), John McHugo (35 years), Fionnuala Douglas (42 years), and Eileen Costelloe Conneely (46 years). Unfortunately, Clare Loughnane, Patricia Conroy, and Kathleen Kearney were unable to attend.

The event was a deeply moving and emotional occasion. Julie Silke Daly expressed her gratitude to John McHugo for his incredible support since she joined the organization in January 2024. She commended all the other retirees for their support, dedication and person centred care to the persons we support. All the retirees present were invited to the stage to receive a token gift in recognition of their remarkable service to Ability West. Many of the people supported from the different services were there to cheer on the retirees.

Several guest speakers shared fond memories and anecdotes about their experiences with the retirees, including Ray Kelly, Chair of Ability West; Mary O'Donnell from the HSE; Tom Hogan, former CEO of Ability West; Eamon Loughrey from the Brothers of Charity; Alison Hartnett from the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies; and John Howard, Advocacy Council Facilitator.

Entertainment was provided by the Ability West Dance Mob, led by Lisa from Snipe, as well as the Brooklodge team, who performed their song “Stronger Together,” a perfect tribute for the occasion. The event concluded with a touching video created by Fintan Hanley and John Howard, set to the song “It’s Only Words,” featuring heartfelt goodbyes from the people supported by Ability West. You can view the video below.

A stunning retirement cake, generously provided by Café Link (with thanks to John McHugo for his board membership), was presented by Shane Tuohy.

This event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Sandra and Richard Byrne and their efficient team at the Salthill Hotel.

To all our retirees, we are deeply grateful for your years of service. We honor you today and wish you a future filled with health and happiness.

Video Created by Fintan Hanley and John Howard in honour of the retirees.