Twenty-seven people from across Galway City and County have been named Local Heroes as part of Positive Ageing Week 2025, in recognition of their ongoing contributions to their communities.

The honourees, chosen for their commitment to staying active, socially engaged, and supporting others, are being featured in a travelling exhibition that opens at Galway City Library this week before moving to other locations across the county.

The display highlights the many ways older people contribute, from volunteering and family care to involvement in clubs and community groups.

Among those honoured is Laurence Daly, a Kerry native now living in Tirellan Heights who volunteers with COPE Galway’s Meals4Health programme, delivering meals and providing companionship to clients.

“Volunteering gives me chances to connect, stay involved, and enjoy life,” he said.

Claddagh resident Martina Small, who balances family care with part-time work and hobbies, also featured among the honourees.

“Ageing is a privilege,” she said. “Make time for yourself, keep young at heart, and enjoy life.”

Born in Leixlip and after decades living in Birmingham, Paddy Ardiff remains deeply engaged in Athenry community life; he enjoys dancing, volunteering, volunteering with the Tidy Towns, and living by his motto: “Be positive and keep going while you can.”

Born in 1927, Tom Concannon has spent his life farming with pride in Annaghdown and keeps the Irish language alive through oral history and his deep cultural wisdom.

At 82, Peter Jeffries continues to work in Clifden’s SuperValu and lives by his motto: “Sit and you rust”— a true inspiration to many in his community and beyond.

At 81, Patsy Conneely from Renvyle is still running her taxi and delivering cakes with a smile, proving age is no match for her unstoppable energy.

Retired Garda Owen Durkan co-founded Tuam Men’s Shed and still delights his community with woodturning, card tournaments, and storytelling at 87.

Louise McLaughlin, Head of COPE Galway’s Senior Support Service, said the group “see age as only a number and are outstanding examples of how staying involved benefits both themselves and their communities.”

She stated that showcasing the achievements of the 27 local heroes was an important way to challenge stereotypes about ageing.

“Many are family carers and active members of community groups, proving that age is no barrier to meaningful contribution,” she said.

Galway County Council Director of Services Michael Owens described Positive Ageing Week as ‘a great chance to celebrate the contribution older people make to our communities and to challenge some of the stereotypes around ageing’.

“Older people bring so much experience, wisdom, and energy, and it’s important we recognise that. Galway County Council is proud to support this initiative and to help highlight the ways people of all ages make our communities stronger and more connected,” he said.

The exhibition is part of the Galway Age Friendly Programme and is supported by Galway City and County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway Rural Development, Galway City Partnership, Forum Connemara, the HSE, Galway Public Libraries, and Comhar na nOileán.

You can find details on the 27 local heroes at www.copegalway.ie/positiveageingweek.

Pictured: Laurence Daly, who delivers meals to clients of COPE Galway’s Meals4Health programme, has been named as one of 27 ‘Local Heroes’ as part of Positive Ageing Week 2025.