Cats can check out new charity shop!

Mayor of Kilkenny Malcolm Noonan along with, guest of honour, ten year old David O’Keeffe from Thomastown, officially opened Enable Ireland’s 21st Charity Shop at 17 High Street, Kilkenny on Friday 22 January. 

The Mayor, who interestingly makes a point of regularly wearing second hand clothing to official engagements,  gave a speech warmly welcoming the retail arm of Enable Ireland to Kilkenny city. He said “I’m delighted to be able to welcome the retail side of Enable Ireland to Kilkenny. Few people in Kilkenny are unaware of the valuable work that Enable Ireland does with children with disabilities at the O’Neill Centre. We cherish their contribution to our community and are overjoyed to have another way to support them. Also, as a member of the Green Party, the principle of reusing items that you no longer have use for, rather than throwing them out, is one I whole heartedly support.” 

On hand to help Mayor Noonan cut the ribbon, David O’Keeffe has been attending Enable Ireland at the O’Neill Centre in Kilkenny for the past nine years. David is a dedicated sports fan with somewhat split allegiances’! He says he supports Kilkenny first, Waterford second and loves playing soccer on his Playstation.

Chairman of Enable Ireland Donal Cashman said “In 21 locations nationwide, Enable Ireland are now turning unwanted clothes, shoes and bric-a-brac into funds to build services for people with disabilities. Enable Ireland have always received such warm support from the people of Kilkenny that we’re sure the shop will receive the same support. That’s already evidenced in the generous donations the shop received before it even opened.”

Enable Ireland Kilkenny provides services to over 100 children with disabilities in the Kilkenny region, working together with the children, their parents and families to provide a range of services that, within available resources, best meet their identified needs.

Over the last decade, Enable Ireland retail has contributed €13 million to services nationally. Funds raised in the Kilkenny shop will also contribute to vital capital development projects for Enable Ireland.  Donations of clothes, shoes, linen, bric-a-brac, books and new toys can be made directly into the Enable Ireland shop which is open from 9.30 - 5.30  Monday to Saturday.