Twenty-seven people from across Galway City and County have been named Local Heroes as part of Positive Ageing Week 2025, in recognition of their ongoing contributions to their communities including Kinvara’s Catherine Kilkelly.
Chosen for their commitment to staying active, socially engaged, and supporting others, the winners will feature in a travelling exhibition that opens at Galway City Library this week before moving to other locations across the county. The display highlights the many ways older people contribute, from volunteering and family care to involvement in clubs and community groups.
Louise McLaughlin, Head of COPE Galway’s Senior Support Service, said the group “see age as only a number and are outstanding examples of how staying involved benefits both themselves and their communities”.
She stated that showcasing the achievements of the 27 local heroes was an important way to challenge stereotypes about ageing, adding, “Many are family carers and active members of community groups, proving that age is no barrier to meaningful contribution”.
Michael Owens, Director of Services, Galway County Council, commented, “Positive Ageing Week is a great chance to celebrate the contribution older people make to our communities and to challenge some of the stereotypes around ageing. Older people bring so much experience, wisdom, and energy, and it’s important we recognise that. Galway County Council is proud to support this initiative and to help highlight the ways people of all ages make our communities stronger and more connected”.
Among those honoured is Laurence Daly, who volunteers with COPE Galway’s Meals4Health programme, delivering meals and providing companionship to clients. “Volunteering gives me chances to connect, stay involved, and enjoy life,” he said.
Co-founder of Kinvara Community Games, Catherine Kilkelly is among those to be honoured, she is the life patron of Galway County Community Games. She is passionate about hurling and camogie also taking notes on scorers during games, she enjoys reading the daily newspaper along with playing bingo and music concerts. Eighty year old Catherine married Mattie Kilkelly, a lorry driver and farmer. She worked the family farm, looking after sheep, cows, calves, saving hay, as well as having 8 children for whom she knitted and sewed. She has 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and regularly babysits. She is president of both Kinvara Juvenile Club and Kinvara Camogie Club and vice-president of the Galway Camogie Board.
Claddagh resident Martina Small, who balances family care with part-time work and hobbies, also featured among the honourees. “Ageing is a privilege,” she said. “Make time for yourself, keep young at heart, and enjoy life.”
The exhibition is part of the Galway Age Friendly Programme and is supported by Galway City and County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway Rural Development, Galway City Partnership, Forum Connemara, the HSE, Galway Public Libraries, and Comhar na nOileán.
