Deaf Club conduct AGM through Irish Sign language
By Aideen O'Flaherty
TALLAGHT Deaf Club held its 29th Annual General Meeting in The Plaza Hotel on Saturday, where club members and supporters got an opportunity to see what happened in the club over the past year, and the meeting was conducted through the club’s native language – Irish Sign Language.
The club was set up in February 1990 for deaf people in Tallaght and surrounding areas, as prior to this they had to travel to a larger deaf club in Drumcondra at a time when transport options were limited.
Siobhan Anashasi, Colm McMahon, John Paul Monaghan and Geraldine Figgis at the AGM in the Maldron Hotel.
The Tallaght group currently has 70 members, and it provides a social outlet for participants.
John Paul Monaghan, who is the chairperson of the club for this year, told The Echo: “The primary aim of the club is to cater for the diversity of our deaf people within the ever-expanding South County Dublin region.
“We can provide an outlet for them to socialise within their own setting but, most importantly, we try to curb social exclusion, isolation and loneliness within the community.
“All our users [who come] to our events range in age so we continue to endeavour to try and accommodate our diverse mix of users, in organising various events and activities throughout the year to suit all.”
Mr Monaghan became the chairperson of the club when the new committee was announced at the AGM, which he has described as being an honour.
“I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve as chairperson for Tallaght Deaf Club,” said Mr Monaghan, “as I thoroughly enjoy volunteering with the deaf community, and engaging with relevant bodies to try and foster good relationships that will benefit the club and its users in the months ahead.
“I am passionate and driven to raise further awareness of the deaf community which is marginalised in today’s society.”
To find out more about Tallaght Deaf Club, you can contact them via email at tallaghtdeafclub@eircom.net
