Check out Snipe’s new range of products for sale! Some really beautiful items!

We’re finalizing our Ability West Strategy 2025-2030, gathering feedback from families, staff, and partners. Our priorities include improving communication, expanding residential and respite services (pending funding), addressing staffing challenges, and regionalizing services to better support Galway City and County. If you have a family member in our service and would like to provide your feedback, there’s a survey link in this news item.

Bohermore Community Cafe celebrated one year in operation in February! Congratulations to the Snipe Team!

Ability West celebrates International Wheelchair Day by offering All Ability Accessible Beach Wheelchairs, promoting inclusivity. Two wheelchairs are available at Leisureland, with more sponsorship opportunities..

Ability West opened a temporary hub in Headford on February 14, 2025, accommodating 16 service users while a 3,500 sq. ft. permanent facility is under construction. The new centre will meet growing local demand for disability services and enhance community integration.

Ability West hosted a heartfelt retirement event at the Salthill Hotel, in Salthill on Tuesday 17th December to honour employees with long service - celebrating 353 years of collective dedication, with speeches, entertainment, and tributes to retirees.

At the final Ability West Board Meeting of 2024, the organization bid farewell to several dedicated individuals. Jack King, a retired banker and long-time supporter, announced his resignation from the Board after years of service, including his role as Chair of the finance committee. The meeting also marked the retirement of John McHugo, Director of Finance, who will retire after 35 years with Ability West, and Eileen Costello-Conneely, who regularly updated the Board on Quality and Compliance. Ability West expresses its gratitude to all three for their exceptional contributions and wishes them and their families all the best in the future.

Read about Enda’s achievement of the Gaisce Award and his trip to Dublin to Meet President Higgins!

Here are details about a webinar which is being hosted by the As I Am charity which is on the topic of Assisted Decision Making. It’s an important topic for families.

Move for Move-Mber was launched today in Cois Na Coille - check out the photos and press release we have issued today.

We asked some of our Team “What’s it like to work in Ability West? “ Here’s what they told us!

Read about Oliver Flanagan’s fundraiser for Simon Community

On Sunday 11^th of August, Homeshare Galway held a Home Sharing family day at Kilcornan Walled Gardens. Over forty families who participate in Home Sharing attended the event and were able to enjoy bouncing castles, ice-cream vans, Drumadore drum sessions and lots of fun which made it a great day out for everyone!

Alice Wainright, a Senior Physiotherapist with Ability West, will join Team Ireland at the Paralympic Games in Paris. She will help athletes acclimate to the Athlete Paralympic Village. The Paralympics run from August 28th to September 8th and will be broadcast on RTE. Team Ireland will have 35 athletes competing in 9 sports, including those with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, limb absence, and intellectual impairments.

Ability West were bequeathed a property from Della Burke. The official opening took place on Friday 5th July and Julie Silke Daly and Ursula Burke cut the ribbon!

Ability West held their AGM on June 11th, 2023, sharing the annual report and financial statements. Despite challenges from COVID-19 legacy issues, staffing shortages, they are optimistic about their future under new leadership and improved support.

Therese Feeney, supported by Ability West, visited the Coronation Street set with friend Caroline and staff. They met an actress and went behind the Rovers Return bar, enjoying a two-night stay in Manchester.