The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland AGM will take place as follows. Admission is free but attendees must register in advance. Search Eventbrite for cleft or  Click Here

Thursday 30th November 2023 in the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin.
The doors will be open at 7:00, tea & coffee on arrival.

Opening Address & AGM, 7:30

• Opening address
• Company AGM
• CLAPAI update
• A.O.B.

Guest Speaker Gary Elbert, 8:00

“Visible Difference, Let’s start a conversation”

We are delighted to introduce the extraordinary Gary Elbert as our guest speaker this year. As heard on the Ryan Tubridy radio show, Gary was born with cleft lip and palate, has used his personal journey to conduct highly topical research on “Visible Difference” in NUIG, . Gary will be discussing his personal journey, his research and the impact of visible difference in community.

You can hear Gary’s earlier interview with Ryan Turbridy by clicking on the link below or by searching for Gary Elbert on the RTE web site. Click Here

In addition to his day job & his research, Gary is a formidable athlete. He is one of only 20 Irish people to complete the Spartathalon Ultra Marathon. The race takes place every September starting in Athens and finishing in Sparta, 245km or 157 miles distance. All funds raised were donated to CLAPAI (2022). Search for Spartathalon of follow the link to learn more. Click Here

Meeting Close & Tea & Coffee, 9:15

There will be an opportunity to talk more informally afterwards with a Tea & Coffee.

The Cleft Lip & Palate Association of Ireland is delighted to announce this year we are returning to Castlecomer Discover Park in Kilkenny.  

The Discovery Park has everything from an Elf Village to Ireland’s longest Zip Line. We have activities planned for all ages. If you are not feeling adventurous walking around the park or sitting on the benches will be enjoyable in itself. Check it out … www.discoverpark.ie

It is a time for families & grown ups affected by cleft, to enjoy activities together, to chat over tea & coffee, to enjoy the annual raffle and above all to have fun.

Reserve your spot on Eventbrite by clicking the link below or searching for Cleft on Eventbrite Eventbrite Family Activity Day 2023 – Castlecomer

How can I get to the event?

Motor transport – The Discover Park is located immediately outside the town of Castlecomer on the Dublin side of the N78. It is easily accessible from the M9 and M7 motorways. The Park is approx. 25 min. drive from Kilkenny city and 70 mins. from Newlands Cross flyover.

Google says Limerick – 1hr 26 mins , Cork City – 1hr 53 mins, Navan 1hr 35mins and Galway 2hrs 20 mins

What can I bring into the event?

Bring sunblock, raincoats, the usual for Irish weather. The activities are outdoor and range from play ground & strolling, to kayaking & high ropes. Wear sturdy footwear & clothes to have fun in.

Bring a picnic.  We have use of a good sized room beside the entrance to the Park. Weather allowing we can eat outdoors on benches. Indoors is a good option if we need it too. There is a full café at the entrance to the Park if anybody forgets anything.

The Discovery Park is reasonably buggy friendly. There are pathways to all the activities. Most of the activities for smaller children are close to the entrance.

Who can I bring into the event?

Please bring your child (or yourself if you are grown up), brothers & sisters also. If your child would prefer to bring a best friend instead, that is okay too. We love to see Grandparents. If you are an adult and want to bring some friends, or indeed your own children please do. The Discovery Park has something for everybody.

How much does the event cost ?

The Family Day is an important part of the work of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association.  The event is  subsidised by donations & fundraising from families. We are suggesting a €20 per family contribution towards the costs but if the contribution is putting ‘petrol in the tank’ in order to get here that is fine too.

We run a raffle also which is always fun. Bring some cash for the tickets. As contactless payments have become a thing, we are trying out ‘Sum Up’ this year. Let’s see how that works out! If you can help out with prizes please let us know info@cleft.ie or bring along on the day

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Text 087 131 9803 or 

Email info@cleft.ie 

Check www.cleft.ie for updates

Also check Cleft Lip & Palate Association of Ireland on Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends 

CLAPAI – Family Day 2022 – Castlecomer Discovery Park

We’re  going to Kilkenny for our  Family Activity Day, and we’d love to see you there. Join us for Cleft Lip and Palate Association Family Day 2022, June 18, 2022 at 9:30 AM. Activities for everyone from Elf Trails to Zip Lines, walks through the forest, and strolls by the lake. 

This is a chance for young people, grown ups and families affected by cleft to meet, chat & have some fun.  The event is subsidised by donations and fund raising.  

Register soon because so we can let Castlecomer Discovery Park know that you are coming – the link is above. 

We hope you’re able to join us!