Celebrating 30 years
By Aideen O'Flaherty
OVER 100 people attended a glittering celebration of 30 years of the Tallaght Deaf Club (TDC) in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel last week, where numerous prizes were given out and there were three cakes – with each cake representing each decade of the club’s existence.
The club offers a social outlet for deaf people in Tallaght and surrounding areas, and it allows members to communicate with each other through Irish Sign Language (ISL) at their monthly social events and meetings.
Tallaght Deaf Club Committee, John, Geraldine, Colm, Siobhán, John Paul and Tim at the celebrations (Image: Paddy Barrett)
The club was founded by Tim Grace and John Doyle 30 years ago, and has always been open to both adults and children who are deaf. Last week’s event was a fitting celebration of the impact the group has had.
“It was great,” said Colm McMahon from TDC. “Everybody enjoyed themselves. We had a lot of prizes and a lot of surprises on the night.”
John Paul Monaghan, chairperson of TDC, added: “It was a night to catch up with friends, and meet many deaf friends and supporters who came from the local area, and also as far afield as Cork, Donegal, Leitrim and Galway too.”
TDC currently has 30 members, and is also open to anyone who might like to join and get involved in the monthly committee meetings in Molloys Pub and the social outings the group goes on.
“For the deaf community, TDC has been a social outlet whereby many deaf people living in Tallaght and the surrounding catchment area can enjoy the many activities we offer,” said Mr Monaghan.
Orla, Mandy, Annette and Breda at the 30th celebrations in The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel
“It serves as a point in bringing the local deaf community together over the years and, most importantly, to curb isolation and loneliness.”
For Colm McMahon, who joined TDC last year, being involved in the club has helped to keep him busy and, he added, it has given him “something to do”.
The overarching success of the club appears to be down to its variety of opportunities for people who are deaf to socialise through Irish Sign Language (ISL) and go on excursions and, according to Mr Monaghan, the events are always delivered with accessibility in mind.
“We provide information nights on subjects of interest, we have hill-walks, we organise local outings to museums, historical venues of interest, trips abroad.
“This is also made possible through Irish Sign Language Interpreters to ensure that any event is fully accessible for our members and thus breaks down communication barriers,” said Mr Monaghan.
Catherine, Mary, Mary and Moira
“Our two most popular annual events each year continue to be our Easter and Christmas bingos which is the fundraiser for the club, and they attract a large gathering of deaf members, families and supporters of all ages.
“The club relies on the generous support of its users to fundraise for the club within its limited financial resources.”
Mr McMahon added that the club is always looking for new members, and any members of the deaf community are welcome to join.
SERVICES: Tallaght Deaf Club
- – Based in Tallaght village, open to members of the deaf community in Tallaght and surrounding areas.
- – Caters for all age ranges, including deaf children, children of deaf parents, young adults, adults and OAPs.
- – Provides opportunities for social outings and for members to communicate through the medium of Irish Sign Language (ISL).
- – For further details about the membership fee and events, contact Tallaght Deaf Club via email at tallaghtdeafclub@eircom.net, or follow the Tallaght Deaf Club Facebook page.
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