

Castleisland Day Care Centre has just celebrated twenty years since it was officially opened by the then Minister for Health and Children, Micheal Martin, TD.
Celebrations had to be curtailed and held off for a couple of weeks because of the prevalence of Covid-19 concerns.
Among the invited guests were past board members and staff as well as three very special guests Michael Cahill, Eilish Geaney and Kitty O’Sullivan who have been attending the centre since its opening in 2002.
Vision of Day Care
Speaking on the day former Chairperson, Jack Nolan, who steered the original committee, paid tribute to the people of Castleisland and the hard working board of management who saw the vision to develop a day care centre for the older people of the area.
It was through their generosity and that of the Presentation Sisters who donated the site, that the dream of a day centre in the town was realised.
Jack also expressed his pride at being involved in the project and in the way the day centre has touched so many people in such a positive way.
On Time and On Budget
Griffin Brothers builders were acknowledged for their professionalism and for ensuring the project came in on time and on budget. Michael Fitzgerald, Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare HSE, was also in attendance.
He was also a dedicated voluntary member of the board at the time of the development and he paid tribute to the voluntary sector and stressed the importance of volunteers working in partnership with the HSE in managing and maintaining facilities such as the centre.
Nurse / Manager Role
He also acknowledged the role of the staff led by Nurse Manager Marcella Finn in providing a warm and welcoming centre to be used and enjoyed by the people of the area.
Mr. Fitzgerald also pointed out the integral role of day centres in supporting older people who wish to remain at home and particularly as the population ages.
Nurse Manager Marcella Finn paid tribute to board and staff members, both past and present, to C.E. and R.S.S. workers, students, Presentation sisters and clergy, local business and schools, members of the primary care team and to Local Link Kerry.
Tribute to Clients
On behalf of the entire team Ms. Finn said that it is a pleasure to work with everybody over the past twenty years. She paid special tribute to the clients who use the service and acknowledged that it feels like an extended family.
On the day, past board members and cherished clients who have gone to their eternal reward were also fondly remembered.
Noreen Barry from Currow who uses the service, highlighted the importance the day centre holds for her and the sense of belonging that she feels in the centre where any worries or needs she may have are met.
Bouquets of Flowers
Current Chairperson Martina O’Donoghue presented bouquets of flowers to clients Kitty, Michael and Eilish in recognition of their attendance at the centre since its opening in 2002.
Martina also presented past staff and board members with a keepsake of the day.

Martina’s Poetic Tribute
Then Martina turned her thoughts to composing a tribute to the two decades past, to the people and to the continuation of the services provided at Castleisland Day Care Centre and she did it with poetry thus:
Castleisland Day Care is 20 years young,
It’s the place where our seniors come to have fun.
They sing and they dance and tell stories of old,
And meet with their friends and create a lot more.
It’s here where the dinners are second to none,
Desserts are so filling there’s room for just one.
So thanks to Marcella and her wonderful team,
Who make the centre unique and supreme.
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