*Clare foster carers with Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. Photograph: Eamon Ward.
FOSTER carers from across Clare were honoured for their outstanding dedication and service at a civic reception.
Hosted by Clare County Council on Friday evening, the ceremony recognised the invaluable contribution of foster carers who provide safe, loving, and supportive homes for children and young people across the county.
Elected members of the Council unanimously agreed at their March meeting to hold the civic reception which is the highest honour the local authority can bestow on an individual or group. Friday’s civic reception was attended by foster carers, representatives of Tusla – Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, Elected Members, Council officials, and members of the wider community.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) lauded foster families in Clare for their “unwavering compassion and commitment.”
He stated, “From the many conversations I’ve had over the years with foster carers, and with those who have experienced foster care, it’s clear that fostering is one of the most generous and noble things a person can do. It requires resilience, and boundless generosity—qualities that each of you here have demonstrated in abundance. Fostering is about offering understanding, love, patience, and the opportunity for a child to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. The dedication you show leaves a lasting imprint — not only on the lives of the children you welcome but on the very spirit of our communities here in the Banner County”.
Congratulating the foster carers on behalf of Clare County Council, Councillor O’Callaghan said, “On behalf of the local authority and the people of Clare, I want to extend the deepest and most sincere gratitude to all foster carers whose dedication and generosity of spirit embodies the very best of our community. A Civic Reception is the highest honour that Clare County Council can bestow on any organisation or group. This event is about shining a light on the tireless efforts, and the deep commitment and profound impact that every foster carer has on the lives of vulnerable children in communities right across Clare”.
Councillors present for the civic reception included Cllr O’Callaghan, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr David Griffin (FF), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) and Cllr Michael Shannon (FF).
