Tallafest promises an open and inclusive festival for all abilities

By Aideen O'Flaherty

THIS year’s Tallafest will be an inclusive affair, with former Tallaght Person of the Year and Tallaght Community Council’s social and inclusion officer Sinead Tighe at the helm of the Active Seniors Hub and Inclusion Zone ensuring that the event will be open to people of all ages and abilities.

Sinead, from Riverview, whose tenure as Tallaght Person of the Year was centred on inclusion, is a carer for her son Daniel, who has a rare genetic condition called Sotos Syndrome which causes low mobility, severe epilepsy and means Daniel is non-verbal.

Lee Moroney and Sinead Tighe preparing for inclusion at this year’s Tallafest

Tallafest, which is organised by the voluntary group Tallaght Community Council (TCC), will hold the Active Seniors Hub and Inclusion Zone in a quiet corner of the festival area at St Maelruain’s Church and the adjoining rooms.

The hub, which will also be managed by volunteer Lee Moroney of Coach Approach, will feature a sensory chill-out area that will be open all day, and will allow attendees to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the other festivities on Main Street and the Old Greenhills Road.