Retirement of two longstanding CE supervisors
Catherine Darcy and Michael Woods, supervisors with the Graiguecullen/Killeshin CE scheme, at their retirement party in the Graiguecullen Parish Centre Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
TWO longstanding supervisors of the Graiguecullen/Killeshin Community Employment Scheme have retired after three decades of service.
Catherine Darcy and Michael Woods were both honoured at a retirement party in Graiguecullen Parish Centre, which was attended by many of their colleagues and friends.
Not only is the Graiguecullen/Killeshin Community Employment Scheme the longest-running in the country, but Catherine and Michael have worked there in various roles for over 30 years. The duo have helped generations of local people to improve their skills, thus equipping them better to enter the workforce.
The scheme provides essential support to St Fiacc’s House, Graiguecullen Swimming Pool, Carlow Tourism and County Museum, St Clare’s Hospitality Kitchen, Éist Carlow Cancer Support Services, Rehab Carlow, Carlow Volunteer Centre, St Patrick’s AFC, Graiguecullen GAA and Carlow Older Persons Forum.
Community Employment provides opportunities for long-term unemployed to return to the workforce on a part-time basis. Following on from participation on a CE scheme, participants can also return full time to the workforce.
Michael is originally from Graiguecullen, while Catherine is from Bagenalstown.
At the retirement party, speeches were made by Suzanne McWey as chairperson, Fr John Dunphy as scheme sponsor and Eileen O’Rourke as CE scheme secretary, acknowledging and thanking them for their involvement over such a long period.
Catherine thanked everyone on behalf of Michael and herself and acknowledged all the support of sponsors, scheme sponsors and participants over the years.
