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Kildare County Council is pleased to announce the successful launch of Did I Ever Tell You, a deeply moving new publication capturing the stories, memories, and lived experiences of people in residential healthcare and palliative care settings across Kildare, Offaly, and Westmeath. The event took place on Wednesday, 21 January in the Lusine Centre, McAuley Place, Naas, and was officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly.
This tri-County initiative has been led by the Kildare County Council, supported by Creative Ireland as principal funder, in partnership with the HSE and Healthy Ireland. It has been further strengthened through collaboration with Local Authority teams across County Kildare, County Offaly, and County Westmeath.
Central to the project were the creative engagements facilitated within residential care home settings in Offaly (Anam Beo Collective) and Westmeath (Fighting Words Team), as well as with the artist in residence, John Conway, situated in Naas General Hospital working specifically with the palliative and end of life care teams. These sessions created safe, reflective, and compassionate spaces where participants could share powerful personal stories and reflections.
The project was brought to life by the work of the artist facilitators, whose practice centres on arts and health methodologies. Their sensitive, person focused approach ensured that participants’ voices were heard, respected, and celebrated. Their creative expertise shaped the authenticity, depth, and dignity captured within the publication.
Speaking at the launch, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly, remarked: “This publication honours the voices of individuals whose stories remind us of the importance of connection, memory, and community. Did I Ever Tell You shows what can be achieved when local authorities, health partners, and artists work together to support creativity, wellbeing, and the human spirit.”
The project reflects the shared commitment of Creative Ireland, the HSE, Healthy Ireland, and the participating Local Authorities to champion creativity as a tool for wellbeing, connection, and cultural expression, particularly for individuals whose circumstances place them in healthcare settings.
About the Project
Did I Ever Tell You forms part of the Creative Ireland Programme’s commitment to supporting arts, health, and community-based creativity. Through the work of dedicated artist facilitators and strong cross county collaboration, the publication elevates unique stories that speak to resilience, compassion, and the value of lived experience.