City centre to host special day for senior citizens

Maisie Flood (95), a keen Liverpool supporter from Dublin, joins Friends of the Elderly volunteers Neil Flannery and Sean Keogh on O'Connell Street yesterday to launch the inaugural Dublin City Centre Senior Citizens Day. It will take place on December 1st. Activities will include trips, live music and image make-overs.
Photograph: Bryan O'Brien

FREE MAKEOVERS, discounts in many city centre shops and even a chance to see the new James Bond film at a reduced price await elderly citizens who venture into Dublin city centre on Monday, December 1st.

The first Dublin City Centre Senior Citizens Day will be hosted by Friends of the Elderly with support from Dublin City Council and Dublin City Business Association.

Dermot Kirwan, spokesman for the charity, said the council and association were "immediately enthusiastic" when approached about the idea of holding a senior citizens day. "Our aim is to have a party atmosphere in the city centre. We have a full day of events planned, plus real bargains for senior citizens."

Among those with firm plans to be in town on the day was Paddy Craddock (73), Blackrock, Co Dublin, recently named Ireland's fittest grandparent and the oldest man to have run all 29 Dublin city marathons.

"I've run 45 marathons in fact," he said, on a bitterly cold morning on O'Connell Street yesterday, rubbing his hands together and jumping from foot to foot, resplendent in a bright green tracksuit. "I think this getting the older people into town is a great idea because not a lot of older people come into the city when the weather gets a bit colder."

Maisie Flood (95), Harold's Cross, was wrapped up in a fur coat and red Liverpool scarf. Introducing herself as Ireland's oldest Liverpool supporter, she said the plan was "fantastic".

The day will start at 10.30am under the Clerys clock on O'Connell Street, with Lord Mayor Eibhlín Byrne. Anyone who turns up at that time can get their picture taken with her.

Major shops will have discounts for older people with proof of age. Among these are Arnotts, Clerys, Boyers, Eason, Boots, Peter Mark, the Gresham hotel and the Body Shop on Henry Street.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times