IWA celebrates 20 years of Carlow centre and book launch
Irish Wheelchair Association member and secretary, Grace Doyle reads some of her work from her creative writing group's newest collection Photo: Gareth Chaney
MEMBERS, staff and supporters of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) gathered in their Carlow town centre on the Kilkenny Road recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their centre and to launch their creative writing group’s newest collection.
A series of speakers shared their reflections on the history of the IWA in the county.
Gerry Morahan, who is the IWA’s assisted living service co-ordinator, began the event by explaining the long and arduous process that the IWA underwent to find the right site and have it adapted to their needs.
“The enthusiasm of the branch has come into this place and when I tell people I’m from Carlow, they say ‘that’s a lovely centre you have there’. That’s not something you build, that’s not something you buy – it’s an investment of time and personality and love into a place and that’s what we’re enjoying today,” Gerry said.
Christopher Hoey, IWA chief operations officer, spoke next and he paid tribute to Gerry Morahan, Dolly Dunne, Betty Lawler and the late Jackie Lawler for making the centre what it is today.
A video was then played that had been put together for the event where the members shared their reflections and memories of the last 20 years.
The event also doubled as a book launch for the fifth collection of creative writing pieces that the IWA creative writing group produced with local author, Lissa Oliver. Members read out some of their work and then Lissa spoke about her experience of working with the group for the past 13 years.
“We are all amazed at their talent and dedication. We were so proud to launch this collection in conjunction with our 20th anniversary celebrations,” Marion Dowling, who is the service co-ordinator at IWA Carlow, said.
