Brain injury charity turns the sod on new Glenageary project

ACQUIRED Brain Injury Ireland held a ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony to mark the beginning of new works to benefit neuro-rehabilitation services in Glenageary recently.

The national brain injury charity announced plans to develop a unique sensory garden and growing area to aid rehabilitation of the current residents. The celebration took place at the organisation’s flagship residential unit on Adelaide Road in Glenageary, where it was first founded in 2000.

Attendees on the day included local public representatives Deputy Maria Bailey and Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

The development of a sensory garden area will allow clients affected by brain injury to work on practical outdoor skills and improve memory, planning and organisational skills.

 Barbara O’Connell, Chief Executive with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, said: “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony would not be possible without the incredible support of our funders. We extend our sincere thanks to the fundraising efforts of St Paul’s Church here in Glenageary.

“We are delighted to be the beneficiaries of their generosity in such a significant year as the Church celebrates its 150th anniversary.

“Community has always been at the heart of everything we do in Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and this partnership will change the lives of people living here and help them be-come even more integrated into the Glenageary community.”

Every year in Ireland an estimated 13,000 people acquire a brain injury, resulting in life-altering, dramatic change.

These injuries happen suddenly and are often traumatic, caused by road traffic accidents, stroke, assaults, falls, concussion and viral infections like meningitis.