20 Year Anniversary Event – A Night of Recognition and Celebration
20 Year Anniversary Event – A Night of Recognition and Celebration
Carlow Volunteer Centre hosted its Annual Volunteer Recognition Event at the Seven Oaks Hotel on September 25th, celebrating the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the community. This year’s event was particularly special, as it marked the Centre’s 20th anniversary—a milestone highlighting two decades of dedication to supporting and empowering volunteers in Carlow.
Over 180 volunteers and representatives from Volunteer-Involving Organisations attended the celebration, reflecting the strong spirit of volunteerism that thrives within the county. Also in attendance were Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Minister Jerry Buttimer; Minister of State at the Department of Health, Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor; TD Catherine Callaghan; and local councillors, all showing their support for the vital role volunteers play in building a stronger, more connected community.
The celebration was officially opened by the Manager of Carlow Volunteer Centre, Helen, who warmly thanked the volunteers, Volunteer-Involving Organisations, community groups, and partners for their ongoing support and encouragement of volunteering across the county. She went on to reflect on the Centre’s impact over the past 20 years: more than 3,000 volunteers have registered with the Centre and have been placed into nearly 5,000 volunteer roles, collectively giving over 120,000 hours of their time to help others.
“Think about that for a moment,” she said. “120,000 hours of support, encouragement, and care. That’s thousands of conversations and countless acts of kindness. Thank you.”
Helen also spoke about the Centre’s inclusive approach, noting that the personal connections made through Carlow Volunteer Centre foster integration, diversity, and inclusion, making volunteering a welcoming and rewarding experience for everyone.
“We connect people across cultures, generations, and backgrounds—creating opportunities to participate, to share, and to belong. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community where every person feels valued.”
Martha Jane Duggan, Chairperson of the Board spoke about “Twenty years is an incredible milestone, and it would not have been possible without the dedication of staff, board members, community partners, and of course, the volunteers themselves. To each of you, past and present, who has played a role in this journey – we salute you.
She stated that “It is important to acknowledge, with deep appreciation, two individuals who were among the founding group that established Carlow Volunteer Centre 20 years ago and who continue to serve with distinction on the Board today. Their longstanding commitment and leadership have been central to the Centre’s development and enduring success.”
She also recognised the extraordinary contributions of Frank Comerford and Fiona Dunne. On behalf of Carlow Volunteer Centre, and indeed on behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your vision, your leadership, and your enduring legacy
Other speakers on the evening included Minister Jerry Buttimer, Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Paula O’Brien (Director of Services with Carlow County Council), and Martha Jane Duggan,Chairperson of Carlow Volunteer Centre. Each expressed their deep appreciation for the vital role volunteers play in enriching the lives of individuals and strengthening the fabric of the community.
A special video message from Cynthia Ní Mhurchú was also played on the evening, adding a warm and personal tribute to the volunteers and the Centre’s 20-year journey. Her words reflected the deep pride felt across the county for the selfless contributions made by so many over the years.”
2025 – A Bumper Year for Corporate Volunteering in Carlow
2025 – A Bumper Year for Corporate Volunteering in Carlow
2025 was a bumper year for companies and education groups giving back to the community in Carlow. Unum volunteers took part in a massive ten projects, involving 250 staff. Carlow Tidy Towns, An Gairdín Beo, the Delta Centre and the Irish Wheelchair Association worked closely with the Unum volunteers as they gave their time and dedication for the benefit of their community. They also put together 150 comfort kits for the service users of Women’s Aid Carlow.
Síle Eile were also very active with Carlow Tidy Towns this year, as they participated in several projects. Well done also to Equinox Education Services and Youthreach Carlow for contacting us to volunteer and getting involved this year. Their contributions were much appreciated.
Outside of local organisations, we were also contacted by LinkedIn and Stewarts Care in Dublin looking for ways in which they could contribute. Volunteers from Stewarts Care also made the trip to Carlow Day Care Centre to personally present their handmade cards and hampers to the service.
This type of Corporate Volunteering is incredibly valuable to community and voluntary groups, particularly in getting larger-scale projects completed that require lots of time and manpower. If your community group would like to benefit from a corporate volunteering project, please contact natasha@volunteercarlow.ie or sinead@volunteercarlow.ie.
Stewarts Care Help Spread Holiday Cheer!
Stewarts Care Help Spread Holiday Cheer!
Carlow Volunteer Centre had a fun morning with the fantastic group from Le Cheile Day Service, Stewarts Care, Palmerstown. They travelled to Carlow to visit us in the Volunteer Centre and then delivered their beautiful Christmas Care Packages to the service users at Carlow Day Care Centre.
Thank you to all involved; a lovely way to start the week with Christmas cheer and giving in the community. It was a pleasure to meet everyone, and thank you again for the lovely shoeboxes made with such care and attention and the warm welcome received at Carlow Day Care.
Volunteer Education Programme for Schools
Volunteer Education Programme for Schools
Sinéad visited schools across County Carlow, speaking to students to let them know about the benefits and importance of volunteering for themselves and for their community.
Sinéad spoke with almost 600 students, mostly those doing Transition Year and the Leaving Cert Applied programme, utilising group activities to show what’s involved in volunteering and highlighting that many of the extracurricular activities like coaching and helping their neighbour are also a form of volunteering.
There are two options available for schools, both of which focus on volunteering and explore the themes around volunteering and its benefits-
The first option is a four week interactive programme which looks at volunteering as a concept and explores what volunteering means for individuals, community and community groups.
The second is a presentation to all the TY classes on volunteering and its benefits and includes group activities.
Any County Carlow Schools that are interested in a visit from Sinéad can email her at sinead@volunteercarlow.ie and she’ll be happy to discuss the options.
Carlow Volunteer Centre Tapestry
Carlow Volunteer Centre Tapestry
Over two dozen volunteers worked to create this beautiful tapestry using latch-hooking, most of them doing it for the first time. They not only created this wonderful piece, but it also gave volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences an opportunity to meet and chat.
Carlow Pride 2025
Carlow Pride 2025
Many of our wonderful volunteers helped out at Carlow Pride this weekend. A great time was had by all, and thanks to all our volunteers and everyone involved in Pride.
Tullow Integration Supper 2025
Tullow Integration Supper 2025
This Year's Tullow Integration Supper was kindly hosted by the Cairdeas Centre last Saturday, and Helen & Natasha were delighted to attend.
The purpose of Tullow Multicultural Supper Club is to foster connection and understanding among diverse communities; providing a welcoming space for individuals and families to come together, share their culinary traditions and enjoy music from various cultural backgrounds.
Thank you to all involved!
Tullow Men's Shed
Tullow Men's Shed
History of the Irish Men's Sheds Association
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association was formed in 2011. However, the men’s shed movement originally started in Australia which inspired their Irish counterparts to begin their own movement.
Having first started in 2009, the men’s sheds movement had its birth in Tipperary where the first men’s shed was formed. Following the formation of the first shed in Ireland, the shed movement began to grow rapidly, with there now being over 400 sheds registered with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association and at least 12,000 men visiting a shed every week.
Tullow Men's Shed
Tullow has had a Men's Shed since 2011, providing an invaluable service to the community as a place for members to gather and spend time together without pressure or expectation. Tullow Men’s Shed is an integral part of the Tullow community. Its members are active in a number of areas of the community including Tullow Tidy Towns & Climate Action Committee. Everyone involved in a volunteer, with no expectations or demands placed on any member regarding attendance.
They are open Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10am until 12 noon, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.
Activities
Tullow Men’s Shed engages in a number of activities, including carpentry and woodwork, and many of their projects are for the local community, including our own Hope sign. They also spend time out in the community, helping elderly neighbours or cutting overgrown lawns- there’s a wide variety of reasons why the members joined Tullow Men’s Shed, but they all enjoy getting together to chat, learning and sharing skills, and working side by side.
Tullow Men's Shed on KCLR
As part of National Volunteering Week, Carlow Volunteer Centre arranged for KCLR to visit some of the Volunteer Involving Organisations and speak with volunteers and organisers. Listen to Una Ni Mhaoldhomhnaigh's interviews below, and hear about the experiences of those involved.
How Carlow Volunteers Can Help Out
Tullow Men's Shed is always looking for new members, whether it's someone who wants to actively volunteer in their community, spend some time engaging with the variety of activities available or just get out of the house for a few hours a week. It's a safe space for men to come together and make some new friends, focus on improving and maintaining their well-being while maybe learning or teaching some new skills.
Currently the main building used by the Tullow Men's Shed is being refurbished and upgraded, but they are hoping to be open again fully soon
Déjà Vu Charity Shop Bagenalstown
Déjà Vu Charity Shop
Run by the Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre
Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre (BFRC) is a not-for-profit registered charity. It has been actively engaged with the communities in Bagenalstown and the surrounding areas since its establishment in 2001. They operate a charity shop, Déjà Vu, which raises essential funds to support the delivery of various services to the community, including various family and parenting support services, Stepping Stones Community Childcare Centre, a therapeutic hub, and educational and recreational programs.
The wonderful charity shop Déjà Vu, is a beloved part of the community, nestled on Main Street in Bagenalstown. When you step inside, you’ll find a delightful array of items to suit every taste and need. From one-of-a-kind treasures to everyday essentials, the shop offers a wide variety of high-quality pre-loved items. Whether you’re treating yourself or on the hunt for the perfect gift, you’re sure to discover something truly special at Déjà Vu.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday : 9.30am -5.00pm
Saturday: 930am-4.30pm
We close for lunch 1.30-2.00pm daily
Donations
Déjà Vu are always looking for once loved clothes, furniture, books, bric-a-brac, in good condition, if you would like to donate just call into the shop or ring 059-9722028.
Address
11 Main St, Moneybeg, Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow, R21 R924
The Importance of Volunteering
In order to provide a pleasant shopping experience for our customers, the dedicated team of volunteers and CE employees work tirelessly. They ensure that the store environment is warm, welcoming, and accommodating to all visitors. Whether you need assistance with your purchase or wish to donate items, the team is here to help. When donations are received, they are carefully steamed, priced, and evaluated to ensure that only high-quality items are chosen for display and sale on the shop floor.
Déjà Vu Charity Shop on KCLR
As part of National Volunteering Week, Carlow Volunteer Centre arranged for KCLR to visit some of the Volunteer Involving Organisations and speak with volunteers and organisers. Listen to Una Ni Mhaoldhomhnaigh's interviews below, and hear about the experiences of those involved.
How Carlow Volunteers Can Help Out
As noted above, volunteers are essential to making Déjà Vu a welcoming place in the community as well as a functioning business providing quality items that customers can be certain are clean and functional. If you are interested in volunteering out with Déjà Vu, you can call into or ring our office, or apply using the link below.
An Gairdín Beo
An Gairdín Beo
An Gairdín Beo is a two-acre community garden in the centre of Carlow Town. The ethos is based on valuing diversity, sustainability, organic methods and indigenous species. The overall vision of the garden is of a space where people connect more with nature, with the growing and making of food, and with each other.
History
In the autumn of 2014 the Sisters of Mercy from St Leo's Convent contacted several groups and individuals in county Carlow, inviting them to a meeting to discuss the possibility of a community garden being created in land adjacent to the convent. There was huge interest in the overgrown two acre site and three sub committees of volunteers were formed to move the idea into action. In 2015 a Board of Directors was created and An Gairdín Beo applied to be a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status, with a 20 year lease being agreed with the Sisters.
Structure
Three groups work collaboratively to take care of the garden
The Board of Directors hold the governance responsibilities of the organisation and are responsible for protecting the ethos of the garden, for its company and legal requirements and for its financial sustainability.
The Garden Committee meet on a monthly basis to discuss, plan and organise the ongoing development activities of the garden. This is a collaborative group who bring a range of expertise and interests. It has five sub-groups: Finance and funding, Development, Growing, TLC (Therapeutic Garden) and Governance. This structure allows the work to progress in a co-ordinated but flexible way and can draw on external expertise when required.
The Volunteers are the heart of the garden activity. They include regulars such as Tús and CE Workers (3) and volunteers who are recruited through the Carlow Volunteer Centre.
Benefits
Visitors come to the garden for a wide variety of reasons:
- To enjoy the nature and the green space
- To grow food and other plants
- To take part in organised events or activities
- To reacquaint themselves with school-day spaces and places
- To meet and chat
- To contribute ideas
- To book the newly refurbished Community Building
An Gairdín Beo on KCLR
As part of National Volunteering Week, Carlow Volunteer Centre arranged for KCLR to visit some of the Volunteer Involving Organisations and speak with volunteers and organisers. Listen to Una Ni Mhaoldhomhnaigh's interviews below, and hear about the experiences of those involved.
How Carlow Volunteers Can Help Out
If you are interested in volunteering out at An Gairdín Beo, you can call into or ring our office, or apply using the link below. Wednesday is the usual day for volunteers to get some work done in the garden.
