Tag: news

Speech at 25-year celebration of Westmeath CIL

Well, readers, this post is slightly different from usual. This is a speech I gave last night at the 25-year celebration for Westmeath CIL for anyone who may have an interest –

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be here with you for this celebration of Westmeath CIL tonight. I am sure I already know a good number of you here. The first time I heard about the organization was when it was in its infancy. It was based on a revolutionary concept at the time, and it brought me joy to know Westmeath would not be left behind – that people with disabilities should be able to chart their futures, whether it is deciding what education to pursue, where to live, and with whom, and the ability to socialize. It is a concept as critical today as all those years ago. 

The role of Westmeath CIL in my life greatly increased a few months after I completed college with my first Personal Assistant from the service, Patricia Gorman, who ended up doing many years with me.


Her work had a great effect on my life straight away. It increased my independence and gave me a solid basis for planning my future. We got along very well, and I occasionally ring her now,  many years after she stopped working. 

Of course, there were times when she was unwell or on leave, and people like Linda McKinley and Grainne Nea, among others, would step into the breech. Throughout those years, Mary Mooney was there for me to contact if I had difficulties. 

During those years, I first worked in the Mullingar Arts Centre and then joined Westmeath County Council as a Clerical Officer. I still remember my excitement on my first day, not thinking I’d still be there nearly twenty-three years later. 

I now live in my house most days of the week thanks to Westmeath CIL. This involved a large increase in my hours, which were done by Thomas McCormack at the start. In my career, I am currently the Resource Worker with the Westmeath Public Partnership Network. A challenging role that makes use of everything that I’ve learned to date. Hopefully, I’ll still go up the ladder a bit more. Chief Executive has a nice ring to it. 

I know that there are challenges, but this would not have been possible without the independent living movement. Currently, I have three PAs from Westmeath CIL. Gerry Marie, Dermot Smith, and Kathleen Carr. Peter Bradley also fulfills the role from time to time. Westmeath CIL continues to play a vital role in my life, and I hope that it continues to make a huge impact, not only in my life but in the lives of all people with disabilities in the region.

Speech at Disability and Older Persons Event in Bloomfield 27/5/24

Due to the death of my grandmother, my fellow Director Demot Hope read out the following speech on my behalf earlier today –

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attendance here today. Many of you already know me but for those that don’t my name is Mark Ahern, and I am a Director with Independent People with Disabilities. We are one of the sponsors of this event, which has been a marvellous success down through the years. The address of our office is 96 Sean Costello Street, Athlone and we have a stand here, today. If you are running into a disability related issue, please contact us and we will endeavour to do our best for you.

At the heart of my work and the work of Independent People with Disabilities is a profound commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities and resources. It is our fundamental belief that no one should be left behind, and we are dedicated to breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of a just and inclusive society.

This has been another very busy year for Independent People with Disabilities.  We continue to represent our members on various committees such as the Disability subgroup of Westmeath Community Development and the Westmeath Sports Partnership. One of our achievements this year, will be mixed ability outdoor gym equipment going into Mullingar Town Park. This should happen by the end of the summer.

This year I would like to take some time to discuss how senior people and people with disabilities are natural allies. We face many but not all the same issues.

I had an interesting conversation about this a few weeks ago with a user of a scooter. He wants ramps up and down smooth footpaths just as much as I do.  We both want good healthcare, housing without steep stairs and a peaceful place in which to live.

I would ask that, those of you here today who are involved in groups for older people to consider if alliance with disability groups could be of mutual benefit.

Through leveraging our greater numbers more can be achieved.

I would like to thank all the Directors of Independent People with Disabilities for all their hard work during the year. People like Dermot Hope and Noel Mulvihill who give so much to the cause.

Finally, I’d like to put my ppn hat for a moment as I’m the current Resource Worker which has a stand her today. If you’re community or voluntary group is not members you should consider doing so. Not only does it let your group play a role in developing policy it also gives you information about funding and training that can be sought.

Thank you for your attention.