Westmeath CIL Celebrates 25 Years of Independent Living

On 16 May, DFI member, Westmeath Centre for Independent Living (CIL) marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration at the Bloomfield Hotel in Mullingar. The event was attended by board members, personal assistants (PAs), and service users, coming together to honour a quarter century of empowering disabled people to live independently in their own communities.

Founded in 1999, Westmeath CIL now delivers over 1,000 hours of personal support each week to disabled adults aged 18 to 65 across the county.

At the heart of their work is the Personal Assistance Service, which enables disabled people to make real choices about how they live, work, and participate fully in society.

Among those who shared their stories on the night was Mark Ahern, a service user who works at the Mullingar Council Office. Living independently with the support of three rotating personal assistants, Mark told the audience:

“Only for the support I get from Westmeath CIL, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Geraldine Scally, another speaker on the night, shared her powerful journey of adjusting to life after losing her sight. A former nurse who once cared for others, Geraldine spoke about the deep bond she shares with her PA Catherine and the impact of their daily routine:

“When Geraldine spoke, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” one attendee noted. “She is so brave about everything.”

The celebration was not only a reflection on the past but a heartfelt tribute to the role of PAs, who are the backbone of independent living in Ireland.

As Westmeath CIL looks to the future, their commitment to dignity, choice, and inclusion remains as strong as ever.

Read more in the Westmeath Examiner: Westmeath CIL marks 25 years to honour all PAs.