Kilkenny Stroke Support group celebrates ten years

A celebration took place at the Orchard Bar Funchion Room last Thursday to mark ten years for the Kilkenny/Carlow Stroke Unit.

Event organiser Lynda Colgan said that the group was originally set up through Doctor Rory McGovern at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny.

“The group is about celebrating recovery, achievements, friendship and support,” said Lynda who had a stroke during emergency surgery to remove a clot following a car accident twenty years ago.

“We all have a common issue and the group allows people to share their feelings and coping strategies. When you have a shared lived experience there is great support in meeting with people who have had a similar experience. It is all about sharing and imparting information.

Garda speed enforcement day in operation in Kilkenny

“We have regular speakers at our meeting including community gardaí, dieticians, nurses and speakers from organisations including The Memory Clinic, ALONE, Social Prescribing and the Family Carers Association.

“There is also a great social element to the group and we go on day trips and have visited the Castlecomer Discovery Park, Borris House, Kilfane Waterfall AND Altamount Gardens. The celebration last Thursday was fantastic. It was our first proper social outing since Covid and the buzz in the room was unbelievable.

The group meets on the last Friday of every month in the Orchard Bar and is open to both stroke survivors and their carers. For more contact (085) 7331522.