Fantastic Four... Ashbourne women honoured for nearly five decades of volunteer work with the local senior citizens

Four amazing ladies have been honoured for their 47 years of dedication and hard work volunteering for Ashbourne and District Senior Citizens Association.

The four women were awarded for their almost five decades work with local senior citizens at this morning's Civic Achievement Awards held at the Ashbourne House Hotel.

Cllr Alan Tobin presented chairperson of the association Ann Moore, Mary Flanagan, Eilish Rafferty and Evelyn McLoughlin with the awards to celebrate the four original volunteers of the association which was founded by the district nurse in the Ashbourne area at the time in November of 1978. It was felt that there was a need for something exciting for the seniors of the town and the surrounding area.

The room was filled with volunteers and members of the organisation, enjoying tea, coffee and treats throughout the morning, followed by lunch afterwards and a surprise performance by the Garda Band to finish off the morning, providing the entertainment for the association staff and members.

Chairperson Ann Moore acknowledged the last almost 50 years of work and dedication given by the volunteers and members alike. She spoke of the sense of community and friendship amongst members and how during the pandemic, the importance of this was highlighted by the loneliness felt by the elderly in such an uncertain time.

“(During the pandemic) we realised how important this association is and how important it is to be together. Ashbourne Gardai were just brilliant and very hands on with the association. They would ring one of the volunteers every morning and let us know who may need groceries or the paper delivered, as we navigated a very scary time for the elderly”.

Cllr Alan Tobin thanked the four volunteers for their years of work for the community.

“I am amazed at how long the organisation has been together and here's to hoping we will celebrate 50 years of the association,” said Cllr. Tobin. “If anyone ever needs help with house adaptation grants, don’t hesitate to make contact as all house adaptation is fully funded by the Meath County Council. Who knows, someday I might be a member of the association."