Afternoon Tea at The Old Ground

2025 is an important year in the life of Clare Haven as it marks thirty years of the service. To kickstart our commemorations we held an afternoon tea event in The Old Ground Hotel with the founding members and their family representatives, staff, previous staff, funders, inter agency collaborators, media and local political representatives joining us to pay tribute to the organisation.

We had a photo gallery displaying the many faces of Clare Haven and music from local singer Clodagh Lawlor. MC Eva Cummins delivered a welcome address and the running order for the afternoon. Co-founder of the service, Colette Redington walked us through the formation and development of the service with a presentation on Clare Haven through the years. Board of directors Chairperson Ciaran Lynch spoke about current happenings in the service and plans for the future. Our keynote address was delivered by Ainie Grainger, a domestic abuse survivor, advocate and campaigner. She spoke about her journey from victim to survivor. Her address was both powerful and moving. Ciaran Lynch made a presentation to co-founders Colette Redington, the family of Mary Fitzgerald and the family of Gerry Brennan. Ita Donnellan and Martha Barrett were recognised for thirty years of service. Deirdre Murray closed the event with a speech from the management of Clare Haven.

It was a special afternoon for Clare Haven with an atmosphere of commemoration and remembrance and a successful start to our commemorative events schedule.