Paddy Joe Burke Leads Call on Ageing Well in Roscommon 

Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador joins call to prioritise physical, mental and emotional wellbeing as part of Age Friendly Ireland’s Ambassadors’ Day 

On the 18th June 2025 Roscommon Superfan and Age Friendly Ambassador, Paddy Joe Burke, joined fellow Age Friendly Ambassadors from across the country to promote a clear message: emotional, mental and physical health must take centre stage in how Ireland supports and celebrates ageing. 

New insights gathered from Age Friendly Ireland’s network of 30 high-profile Ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, business, sport and public service — including Francis Brennan, Gavin Duffy, Sandy Kelly, Geraldine Plunkett and Celia Holman Lee — reveal that nearly 80% fear cognitive or mental decline more than any other aspect of ageing. When asked what gives them hope, over half pointed to the growing commitment to an inclusive, supportive society that values older people and being able to remain active and independent. 

Held at VISUAL Carlow, this year’s Ambassadors’ Day brought together Age Friendly Ambassadors from across the country for a day of discussion, reflection and visibility around the theme: Wellbeing in Later Life — Physical, Mental and Emotional Health. The event shines a light on the lived realities of ageing in Ireland, where the over-65 population is expected to double by 2050, and underscores the need to place dignity, purpose and wellbeing at the heart of national policy, community initiatives and everyday conversations. 

Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon Superfan and Age Friendly Ambassador said: “I love ageing because I’m embracing it totally as the best time of my life. It’s a gift, not a given. Not everyone gets to experience old age. I think my role with Age Friendly Ireland is beneficial because I bring my own experience, gratitude and acceptance on the wonderful journey of ageing. I would encourage any older person or even someone who just wants to learn more about ageing well in Ireland to contact their local Age Friendly Programme by contacting their local council.” 

Joining Paddy Joe on the day from Roscommon was Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council, Majella Dodd, Vice Chair, Roscommon Older People’s Council and Sheila Coyle, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Roscommon County Council.

Age Friendly Ambassadors are appointed by City and County Councils across Ireland to use their platforms to challenge ageism, champion dignity in ageing, and support more connected, active and inclusive ageing across Ireland. The full list of Ireland’s Age Friendly Ambassadors can be found here > https://agefriendlyireland.ie/meet-the-team/local-age-friendly-ambassadors/. 

Age Friendly Ireland is the national body supporting Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities to deliver the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland. Each local authority leads a dedicated Age Friendly Programme, in partnership with older people, service providers and community stakeholders. 

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said: “Too often, ageing is spoken about only in terms of decline or dependency, but the reality is far more powerful and positive. Older people in Ireland are living longer, contributing more, and redefining what it means to grow older. This year’s Ambassadors’ Day puts the spotlight on the importance of our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, reminding us that our independence, connectedness and purpose are central to how we think about ageing. Through Age Friendly Ireland, and the local government sector, we provide the structure to enable that joined up thinking that is making this vision a reality in every town, city and county in Ireland. We are extremely grateful to our Age Friendly Ambassadors for championing this work.” 

Those wishing to learn more about Roscommon’s Age Friendly Programme, please email agefriendly@roscommoncoco.ie           

Left to Right: Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive, Meath County Council; Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassdor; Majella Dodd, Vice Chair, Roscommon Older People’s Council; Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer, Age Friendly Ireland; Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council; Sheila Coyle, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Roscommon County Council

Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s age Friendly Ambassador & Majella Dodd, Vice Chair of Roscommon’s Older People’s Council enjoying an ice cream on their way home from the Age Friendly Ambassador Day in Carlow.