Independent Local Election candidates Des Hayes and Ruth Clarke celebrated with Limericks Deaf Community and the Hands in Harmony Deaf Choir after scooping the overall runners up prize in the Riverfest International BBQ on Limericks beautifully sunny boardwalk. The BBQ team of Ruth Clarke, Mary Kiely, Emily, Theodora and Des Hayes.
“ What a great day for the Deaf Community in Limerick and the Mid-West Region this BBQ win will be savoured for ever” and went on to say “Both Ruth and I have been involved with the Deaf Community for over 25 Years, great delight last year when the ISL (Irish Sign Language Recognition) was passed by a huge majority and now the Deaf community in Limerick of some 2,500 people can enjoy the same rights of every other citizen in Ireland, integrating the Deaf into everyday day Limerick life has been a huge goal of the Deaf Community Centre and together with the Hands In Harmony Deaf Choir and the Mid-West Deaf Association today this has been achieved”
“Another great achievement for the Deaf Community was taking part in this years St Patrick Day parade”
Following on from the ISL recognition bill the Deaf Community centre are running Sign Language classes starting at Basic level up to QQI leave 4 recognition. Over 100 students have completed course during the winter and spring and are taking enquiries for new classes starting in the autumn. Munster player Dan Goggin was one of the early qualifiers in the Spring ISL Classes.
The importance to the Deaf can be seen in the enthusiasm for reaching out into the wider community and to grow the belief that ‘Together is better for our Community’
Good on you both Ruth and Des, you’ve sure got things going. Take a bow and all the praise you deserve being splattered with. Well done indeed – Leeson Egan, Dublin 7