Sean Hillen | Changing Ireland

Author: Sean Hillen

About The Author

For over 30 years Sean Hillen has worked as a reporter, editor, publisher, public speaker and author, as well as media trainer and creative writing coach. More info: https://seanhillenblog.com/about/

Falcarragh volunteers are helping war-weary refugees from Ukraine

Posted by Sean Hillen | Jun 9, 2025 | Refugees/Ukraine

Men, women and children desperately escaping the war in Ukraine have found a warm home-away-from home in Cloughaneely.

Every week, Fáilte Isteach Falcarragh hosted by the local community centre, Pobail Le Chéile, attracts a multi-national group of volunteers to help these war-weary refugees improve their English-language skills under a project that promotes greater integration and a deeper sense of community spirit by forging new friendships and facilitating learning about different cultures.

Senior Citizens Parliament co-ordinator Pat Mellon has solutions to rural poverty

Posted by Sean Hillen | May 13, 2025 | OPINION/ADVICE

Pat Mellon from County Wicklow grew up on the family farm in the Vale of Avoca, which he now runs, and he has firm views around poverty, which is especially harsh for older people living in rural areas.

For years, he worked in rural recreation, social inclusion and social enterprise and this has equipped him well for his current role as national co-ordinator of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP).

The national organisation has 200 affiliated organisations and 50,000 members advocating for the rights of older people and one of Pat’s priorities is to improve the lives for seniors living in rural areas.