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Carlow PPN

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Carlow PPN

Samhain Festival 26 -
A Celebration of Folklore, Fire and Fun at Halloween

Samhain Festival 26 celebrates the ancient Celtic tradition marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter.

The festival will bring a programme of folklore, storytelling, arts and cultural events to venues across Carlow, including VISUAL, Delta Sensory Gardens, Duckett’s Grove, The Library and The Exchange.

Explore Samhain Festival 26 across Carlow
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Need a Lift, Listen to the New Series of Eco Chats!

As part of Carlow Climate Action Week, the second series of Eco Chats: Carlow's Eco Journey is now available. Supported by Creative Ireland and Carlow Arts Office, the eight-part series highlights the work of community groups, volunteers, schools, businesses and local champions across County Carlow who are helping to create more sustainable and connected communities.

The first episode features Dan McInerney of An Gairdín Beo and Sharon Kellett of Bagenalstown Community Garden and Coláiste Aindriú, discussing community growing and its positive impact on people, places and nature. The series offers inspiring stories, practical ideas and examples of local climate action in practice.

Please have a listen if you get the chance, and feel free to share with family, friends and community groups who might enjoy hearing some great local stories.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by global challenges. These conversations are a lovely reminder that there are amazing people all around us in our wonderful county making a difference every day.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Podcast Addict
Listen on Deezer
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Living Well Expo 2026 – New Date Announced

Living Well Expo 2026 – New Date Announced
📢 Please Note: The Living Well Expo has been rescheduled.
Due to the planned industrial action, the Living Well Expo will now take place on:
📅 Wednesday, 25 November 2026
📍 Mount Wolseley Hotel, Tullow
⏰ Time as previously advertised
More details
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🔥 Fire Safety Week | 12–18 October 2026

🔥 Fire Safety Week | 12–18 October 2026
Know Your Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person
This Fire Safety Week, Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging everyone to take a moment to think about fire safety in their homes and communities
More Information
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CCEN Environmental Film Series 2026 - 2027

Free Film Event: "Ocean with David Attenborough" on Wed 4th Nov at 7pm at the Visual Carlow explores the beauty and importance of the world's oceans, showing how they sustain life on Earth and why protecting them is essential for our planet's future.

Admission is free, but advance booking is required:


Book Here: https://visualcarlow.ie/whats-on/ccen-ocean-with-david-attenborough

You can subscribe to the CCEN newsletter by filling out the form at the bottom of their website.

www.ccen.ie

Book here
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🧠💚 Grow Mental Health Information Evening

Looking for support, connection, or simply more information about mental wellbeing? Join Grow Mental Health for a free information evening at Carlow Library on Tuesday, 20th October, 6pm-7pm.

Hear from guest speaker Darren Francis Caffrey, artist and writer, who will share how creativity and connection can support positive mental health. All are welcome. 🌱✨

#MentalHealthMatters #GrowMentalHealth #CarlowEvents #CommunitySupport #YouAreNotAlone 💚

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Disability Equality Training with Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (CDPO)

This training will help disabled people learn more about their rights and build confidence to speak up for themselves and others.

Disability Equality Training with Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (CDPO)

Wednesday 29 October | 10am to 1pm | Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow

Carlow PPN is pleased to support this Disability Equality Training, delivered by the Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and the Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (CDPO).

This training will help disabled people learn more about their rights and build confidence to speak up for themselves and others.

In 2025, Carlow PPN supported ILMI to set up the Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (CDPO). The organisation brings disabled people together to share experiences, support each other and work for positive change in their communities.

During this training, participants will:

  • Learn about disability rights and equality
  • Understand the social model of disability
  • Build confidence in speaking up about issues that matter to them
  • Learn how to have a say in decisions that affect their lives
  • Meet other disabled people and build local support networks

Participants have described the training as informative, welcoming and enjoyable.

‘I found the course a great insight into the broad range of challenges faced by disabled people. The facilitators encouraged active participation, learning from others and teamwork. We also had lots of fun.’

Another participant said:

‘I certainly don't feel as alone as I would have done.’

The training is based on the principle of 'Nothing About Us Without Us', which means disabled people should be involved in decisions that affect their lives.

By taking part, you can build your knowledge, confidence and skills, while helping to create a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended

Contact Paula - 087 163 0433 / email: paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie

Or Trish at Carlow PPN - 087 195 1444 / email: carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie

Register here
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Contact Details
Carlow PPN, Town Hall, Centaur Street, Carlow R93TK85

Patricia Duffe

Fiona Broadbery

Carlow PPN
© 2026 Carlow PPN, All Rights Reserved.

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Padraig Dooley

I am President of Carlow Historical & Archaeological Society and Chairman of Carlow County Museum Board. I am an active member of Carlow Car Club and served as a director with them. I am an honorary life member of Junior Chamber International in recognition of my volunteer work and a member of the Junior Chamber Ireland Senate.
I have spent my career working in leadership roles in the public service and I am a Director of the Workplace Relations Commission. I am a founding Board Member of the of the European Labour Authority Board. I serve the Irish delegate on other European Platforms. I have acted as part of a European Commission team assisted with training in a number of countries.
I am a proud Carlovian with a passionate interest in my community and i would bring a wide range of skills from my volunteer work and my professional career to the LCDC.

Damian Howard

Damian is a member of Myshall Muintir Na Tire and is involved in a number of local community initiatives including Town and Village Scheme; the development of a national walking Camino called 'The Columban Way'; Sustainable Energy Community Project; preparation of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan. He has a particular interest in how social enterprise can provide opportunity for community groups and organisations to become more sustainable and help in rural regeneration.
He is a founding member of Carlow Social Enterprise Network (CSEN) and is one of two Carlow representatives on the regional South East Social Enterprise Network (SESEN) and sits on the practitioner council of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland). He is one of three elected Carlow PPN representatives on the board of Carlow Tourism and represents Carlow PPN on the National PPN implementation roadmap working group.

Lynda Stacey

Lynda has worked in the community for many years and is now the director of services in Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre She is committed to social inclusion at all times and works with a community development ethos.

Aine Gahan

In my professional capacity I am the Manager of Carlow County Childcare Committee and provide support and advice to Early Years & School Age services, childminders, parents, parent & toddler groups and students across the County. I am also Chairperson of the Carlow Social Inclusion Forum and a member of the Carlow Community Response Forum and County Carlow Children & Young People's Services committee.
I was the Chairperson of Carlow Social Inclusion Measures group during the development of Carlow's first Integration Strategy in 2014. I am a native of Co. Carlow and proud of the county and its commitment to supporting social inclusion and community development through strong interagency collaborations. I am fully committed to ensuring that the voices of the community are integral in the development of policies that affect them.

Trish Doyle

Trish Doyle is the co-founder of Talking Heads, Carlow Aphasia Support Group, a vital community initiative supporting individuals with communication difficulties. With a strong passion for social inclusion, Trish is dedicated to engaging in policies that can create a positive impact for Carlow. She is committed to working alongside various community groups to explore effective ways to enhance the well-being of all communities. Through her involvement with the Community Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC),
Trish aims to advocate for inclusive policies that support marginalized groups and promote meaningful change. Her hands-on experience in community development and collaboration allows her to contribute valuable insights into improving local services and resources. Trish believes in the power of community engagement and is eager to connect with others who share a vision for a more inclusive and supportive Carlow.

Aisling O'Halloran

Aisling is from Tinryland and lives in Carlow Town. She has lived in Carlow most of her life and has always been involved in community and voluntary groups in Carlow. Aisling has been a leader with the Irish Girl Guides (IGG) for almost 20 years and has taken on various voluntary roles within the organisation at a local, national, and international level, and sat on IGGs Executive Board for 5 years. She is highly active in other community groups such as Carlow Little Theatre and the Carlow Arts Festival and is currently the President of Carlow Toastmasters.
Aisling previously worked for Carlow County Council and Carlow County Museum and currently works as a public servant for the Pensions Regulator. She would make an excellent member of the committee given her vast experience with local and community groups, her dedication to being an active member of the local community, and her love of her County Carlow.

Niall Ryan

As Co-Coordinator of the Carlow Involvement Centre at St. Dymphna's Hospital, I have worked closely with individuals from all walks of life who are recovering from mental health challenges. Over the past ten years, we have witnessed remarkable recoveries, with many people reclaiming their lives by securing employment, returning to education, reconnecting with their families, and finding new homes.
However, in recent years, the housing crisis has had a severe impact on our community. For me and our team of dedicated volunteers, maintaining hope in these difficult circumstances presents its own challenges.
I believe I would bring valuable insight to the committee regarding the real hardships people face in finding stable housing. I have seen firsthand how many individuals are forced into sheltered accommodation, often leading to a rapid decline in their mental health. This, in turn, places additional strain on mental health services, with some individuals ultimately returning to the hospital simply because they cannot secure a home. We are eager to support the committee in any way possible to help improve housing conditions in both the town and county.

Vacant

N/A

Representative Reports

No reports available at this time.

Amanda Shasha

With a deep passion for fostering connected, sustainable communities, I bring years of hands-on experience in social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and community integration. As the founder of Steadfast Creations, I have empowered women through skill-building initiatives like sewing, embroidery, and upcycling projects, creating opportunities for creativity, independence, and financial stability. I have also spearheaded programs that connect children with nature through planting and community gardening, fostering environmental awareness from a young age. I aim to bring my experience, dedication, and vision to the committee, contributing innovative solutions that build stronger, more inclusive, and environmentally conscious communities. I believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Representative Reports

No reports available at this time.

Representative Reports

No reports available at this time.

John McHugh

John McHugh is a director and vice Chair of An Gairdin Beo Community Garden in Carlow Town. An Gairdin Beo is committed to creating and maintaining a space in which diverse people can connect more to nature, to the growing and making of food, and to one another.
This voluntary role involves funding, governance, as well as practical gardening volunteer work. John also works as a lecturer in Applied Social Studies at Carlow College, St. Patrick's and had held numerous board positions in the Education, Community and Social Care Work fields.

Sue Phillips

I am secretary and a founding member of Protect Moylisha Hill, a community environmental organisation dedicated to the preservation of the area around Moylisha Hill, where I live, We work with schools and other organisations to raise awareness of the value of this environment and the constant vigilance needed to protect its vulnerability. To this end we run regular Litter Picks, an annual art competition and other events and cooperate with other similar organizations..
I read Geography, Geology and Botany as part of my degree at TCD. I am a qualified librarian and psychotherapist currently working in private practice and for ACCORD. I also work as a free-lance editor and proof-reader.
I believe that the work the PPNs do in enhancing communication between elected council officials and the electorate is vital and greatly enhances the quality of our democracy. I would very much like to be part of this process.

Eileen Doyle

Eileen been involved in PPN in the past, she stepped down for a short time due to family commitments. Eileen works in the disability sector and with social inclusion groups who have had a very difficult time during Covid 19 and continue to have. Eileen comes to this post with a mountain of experience of the PPN and social inclusion with many personal and work achievements to date.

Vacant

N/A

Jackie Meally

Jackie is General Manager of Ring a Link Rural Transport / Local Link delivering rural services in County Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Wicklow, and North Fingal. Jackie has been a member of County Carlow Transport, Environment, and Infrastructure SPC. He is treasurer of Carlow Older Persons Forum. He is National President of Muintir na Tíre and is involved in several rural and community development organisations.

Joe Butler

No biography available.

Eamonn Moore

Eamonn has been a member of An Taisce Carlow Association since 1972. Eamonn is the present Chairperson of Carlow/Kilkenny Rural Transport providing local transport and is the Chairperson on the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Ian Sewell

I'm an active member of County Carlow Environmental network. I have a technical background both Electrical and Mechanical and have experience of construction. I have previously worked in Local Authority, and I'm currently employed by a US multinational. I have lived and worked in the UK, Ireland and the US. I have 40 years driving experience as both a 2 and 4 wheeled road user, 18 years as a commuter. I'm firm believer that transport issues are at the heart of many of the problems facing life in the 21st century. I'm passionate about creating an improved environment and doing things right. I would very much like to be given an opportunity to contribute to the development of county Carlow.

Frank Morris

Frank moved to Tullow from Dublin 18 years ago. Frank got involved with Tullow Scouts and was a leader for over 10 years. He returned to college and completed a 1-year course in Youthwork with Carlow IT, and then helped start a youth club in Hacketstown and also in Tullow. Frank took a break from that and then started Tullow Men's shed 8 years ago where he holds the role of Chair. Frank is also involved with Tullow Helping Hands which is group to help families and people in need in the community.

Thomas Kelly

Thomas is heavily involved in his community of Myshall/Drumphea. Thomas is the founder member and driving force behind the establishment of Drumphea Community Centre. Thomas has been a community representative on County Carlow VEC for the past ten years, serving as Vice-Chair for the past five years. Thomas was a member of the Community and Voluntary Forum and currently sits on the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Caroline Dargan

No biography available.

Aims

Carlow PPN's goal is to help the public and member organizations express their views and interests within local government. We believe that regular public participation builds trust and shows that change is possible. Individuals and community groups can take more responsibility for their quality of life now and for future generations by participating in the work of the PPN.

Role

The PPN's role is to support community and volunteer interest groups using community development principles. Carlow PPN is an independent organisation that works with Carlow County Council, local development and national agencies to provide community-led development benefiting local communities in Carlow.

Mission Statement

To help communities take part in local decision-making, promoting well-being and sustainability.