Ponies, pythons and pop hits were star attractions at Foster Family Day in Tipperary

More than 300 children and foster carers from South Tipperary, Kilkenny and Carlow enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of fun at a special Foster Family Day in Ferryhouse, Clonmel.

The special event on Thursday, August 7 was organised by Tusla, the statutory agency for and experts in foster care, to celebrate the crucial role foster families play in the lives of children.

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And it was a day to remember.

There were pony rides, bouncy castles, an inflatable climbing wall and slide, face painting, hair braiding and temporary tattoos.

Foster carer Breda Heary brought her gorgeous ponies to the fun day and they stole the show, bringing smiles and joy to every child who had a chance to sit in the saddle.

Fellow foster carer, Seamus Hennessey, excelled himself as DJ for the afternoon and played a set featuring everyone’s favourite hits.

There were also exotic guests present at the event. The National Reptile Zoo provided a python, a legless lizard and a tortoise named Michelle for the occasion.

Education Officer Luca Massetti shared his knowledge and facilitated those braver guests who mustered up the courage to pet the python.

Elsewhere, the children mingled and chatted with soldiers from James Stephen’s Barracks in Kilkenny who showed them defence weapons up close.

Ali Tobin from Clonmel with search and rescue dog Poco at the Foster Family Day event 

Members of Clonmel First Responders and National Ambulance service showed visitors how to administer chest compression via a dummy while members of Carrick United FC and Carlow GAA shared their soccer and hurling skills, respectively.

Search and mountain rescue dog Poco from the Search & Rescue Dog Association was given the day off and soaked up the attention in the company of his handler Ali Tobin from the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Team.

Mister Softee provided free 99s with colourful sprinkles on top.

And there were orderly queues for the spread of sausages, burgers and chips cooked and served by the Ferryhouse catering staff.

Brendan Cummins and Fintan O’Connor with the Under 20 Munster and All-Ireland Hurling trophies they brought to the Foster Family Day at Ferryhouse, Clonmel

There was a flurry of excitement when Tipperary GAA greats Brendan Cummins and Fintan O’Connor turned up with the Munster and Under-20 All-Ireland Hurling trophies and posed for photos with the children. Some older kids lined up for pictures too.

Joanne Cullen, Interim Regional Chief Officer, Tusla paid tribute to all involved in organising the family fun day.

“Once again, our organising team have pulled out all the stops for another great CKST foster family fun day.

“Across Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary 202 foster carers provide a loving home to over 300 children.

“Days like these are our small way of thanking our incredible foster parents for the work they do every day and the difference they bring to a child’s life.”

The Tusla organising team included Olivia Lynch, Bríd Kiely, Noeleen Butler, Nicola Morrissey, Michelle Noonan, Niamh Kenny, Marie Fitzgerald, Amy Ruth, Oisin Kelly and Una Nugent.

For information on becoming a foster carer, visit www.fostering.ie or call freephone 1800 226 771.

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