Sean Chairde Atha Chinn

Sean Chairde Atha Chinn (Old Friends of Headford) is a group for people of “a certain age”! which was set up in Headford in September 2001. Since then it has gone from strength to strength and continues to grow in numbers. The group was the brainchild of Bridget Hynes, and together with some like-minded people, mainly Maureen Newell, Evelyn Lee, and Marian Murphy, the idea came to fruition. The aim of the group was to provide a social outlet for the “young at heart” of Headford. The group meets every Friday from 11am to 3pm at the Parochial Hall, Headford. Activities include light exercises, a game of rings, skittles, sing-songs, quizzes etc. and a cup of tea is served each day.

The atmosphere is totally informal

What does the group mean to those who attend every Friday? The general consensus is one of enjoyment. They enjoy the social interaction and look forward to the Friday outing to the hall, the preparations of which can begin on Thursday – the hair is shampooed and the clothes are set out for the morning. For some, this may be their only outing, apart from the shopping and is far more enjoyable. The atmosphere is totally informal and everyone is made feel very welcome. New members are always welcome and transport can be arranged if necessary.

The images dated back to the 1890’s

Sean Chairde Atha Chinn has also been involved in events in the local community. In October 2002, in conjunction with the local Solstice Arts Group, a photographic exhibition of images form the area was launched in Campbells Tavern, Coughanover. The images dated back to the 1890’s and were drawn from the collections of members of Sean Chairde, their friends and neighbours and local schools. They also involved in the making of a documentary about the changing lives of local people over the past century. A sneak preview of the documentary was shown at a party to re-launch the photographic exhibition on St. Patrick’s Day at the Parochial Hall, where the photos are now permanently housed. Recently we got involved in the production of a film documentary with the Solstice Arts Group which tells stories of how Headford was in the last 100 years as told by people as old as 90 years from within our group. Sean Chairde wishes to express their gratitude to Solstice Arts Group for their time, efforts and co-operation with these ventures.