Pilot grows to make summer camp a possiblity for more children

Camp Ability for four locations

A PILOT project in Co Galway that enabled children with disabilities take part in a special summer camp programme proved so successful that it will be rolled out to more locations this year - including Tuam.

Ability West will work with Connacht Rugby to bring the joys of sport to children with disabilities. A successful pilot in Creggs in 2025 catered for 17 children and this summerCamp Ability will see up to 80 children with disabilities participate in four inclusive camps across Galway.

Energia will support the camps with equipment, resources, and funding to ensure an accessible and high-quality experience for all participants.

“Connacht Rugby’s ambition is to put a ball in the hands of as many people as possible, and foster a lifelong love of the game,” stated Joe Gorham, Connacht Rugby’s Head of Rugby Development during last week’s Ability West AGM.

“Since rugby is a game for everyone, these inclusion camps bring this ambition to life. We are committed to providing a fun, safe and rewarding experience for all involved, and we’re delighted to be working with Energia and Ability West to help make this happen.”

Details of the initiative were revealed at the AGM of Ability West last week where the charity also confirmed the opening of a new respite service for Tuam. The service will provide huge help to families across North Galway.

“We understand the pressures many families are under, and we are constantly working to respond, prioritise, and adapt as needs change,” stated Chief Executive of Ability West Julie Silke Daly.

“We know the significant level of unmet needs within our community and are working very closely with the Galway City and County Councils, the HSE and our own approved housing body to provide housing.

“We are aware that many families include elderly carers, and while we are working to expand services as quickly as we can secure suitable homes, this is dependent on both funding and staff availability.”

Ability West recorded a surplus of €3,731,296 in 2025, with net assets of €33.6 million at year-end.

Last year they continued to expand its services, operating 30 residential homes, 32-day services, and six respite services.

The charity supported 513 adults with intellectual disabilities and complex needs, is patron to four special schools with 171 children and worked in partnership with 52 home-sharing families. Thousands of respite nights were also delivered to adults and children, reflecting ongoing demand for supports.

The AGM was also a chance to showcase the incredible talents of people supported by Ability West. The Croílár Choir lit up the stage, joined by special guest Leo Moran of The Saw Doctors for an unforgettable performance of the N17. The celebration reached its peak when the Galway Bay Tones joined the choir for a moving rendition of Caravan of Love, closing the night to rapturous applause.