OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN SALTHILL

We were delighted to host our Annual General Meeting this week in the Salthill Hotel, sharing the progress made in 2025 and looking ahead to what’s next.

A real highlight of the evening was the launch of Camp Ability—an exciting new inclusive summer camp in partnership with Connacht Rugby and supported by Energia. This year, up to 80 children with intellectual disabilities and autism across Galway will get to take part.

We also announced the opening of three new services in Portumna, Tuam and Oughterard, as we continue to grow supports for the people and families we work with.

Throughout 2025, Ability West supported over 500 adults, along with children and families, across residential, day and respite services—reflecting both the impact of our work and the ongoing need in our community.

There were powerful contributions on the night, including from our inspiring guest speaker Dr. Mei Lin Yap, whose message on inclusion received a standing ovation.

We also heard about the urgent need for more residential supports, with many families—particularly older carers—still waiting for the services they need.

The evening ended on a high, celebrating the incredible talents of people supported by Ability West. The Croílár Choir, joined by Leo Moran for a fantastic performance of N17, and later the Galway Bay Tones for Caravan of Love, brought the room to its feet and closed the night on a truly uplifting note

Huge thanks to our AGM organising team—Trish Verheij, Amanda Cooney, Emer Daly, Ann-Marie Miskell, Linda Keane, Fintan Hanley, John Howard, Pat Tarpey, Caoimhe Daly, Peter Burke, Roberto Martin, and the amazing Pat Mulrooney—for delivering this event, and to our persons supported, Matthew Forde, Cuan O’Brien, Clar Ni Cheidigh and Lorraine Hession, Tony Ward, Martin Douglas, Caoimhe Daly, Joe Ward, John Maloney and the Criolar Choir. Also thanks to all our persons supported and families who attended, our staff who attended and supported individuals from their services, our Chair Ray Kelly and our Board Members and to the HSE and all our business partners who came and listened.

We were also joined by our fabulous nurses and AsIAm who hosted stands at the event, along with our Multi-disciplinary teams who were on hand to give advice. Tara Canning Nutritionist also manned a stand and gave attendees advice on diet and nutrition.

Ability West truly appreciates everyone’s support for making this a special AGM. Also thanks to the Salthill Hotel for providing the venue and to Scope AV for managing the sound.

Matthew Forde and Craig Noone came yesterday to the hotel to help with the set up and the sound checks - well done guys.

All over for another year - thank you for being with us and enjoy the photos!