Beautiful new space at Tipperary healthcare facility is celebrated with an open night

MooreHaven in  Tipperary Town celebrated its ongoing commitment to supporting adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities by hosting an Open Night recently.

The event highlighted service users’ learning activities and community involvement through work experience and social initiatives like Tidy Towns; Social Farming and various sporting events.

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The event showcased the daily activities of MooreHaven and the future building projects, namely The Beeches Respite Home and the new Training Hub at the old Courthouse and Bridewell in Tipperary Town. The formal opening also took place of The Butterfly Garden - a tranquil new space designed for service users with special needs, for relaxation and recuperation. The beautiful new space was officially opened by special guest Liam Cahill, Manager of the Tipperary senior hurling team. The Doon Vintage Society’s Annual Vintage Rally was also launched on the night.

This very popular event will take place on June 21–22 at Tipperary Racecourse. Funds raised will be donated to MooreHaven, who are the Doon Vintage Society’s designated charity for 2025.

MooreHaven’s premier Golf Classic was also launched and will take place on August 29 at Tipperary Golf Club. This event promising a day of sport and camaraderie while supporting the Moorehaven essential Respite services.
Founded in 1981, MooreHaven provides vital day and residential services to over 127 service users with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, supported by more than 100 dedicated staff. With facilities in Tipperary Town, Cashel, Thurles and five residential homes in Tipperary Town, MooreHaven remains steadfast in its mission to serve the community.
MooreHaven is committed to the core values of Person-Centredness, Active Citizenship, Community Inclusion. All service users are empowered to achieve personal goals and enhance their independence through the Person-Centred Planning Process.
At the end of 2024, MooreHaven purchased The Beeches, a property in Kingswell, just outside Tipperary Town, with support from the JP McManus Foundation. This home will deliver essential respite care for individuals with low to moderate intellectual disabilities, enabling primary caregivers to take vital breaks while their loved ones receive exceptional care in a safe, supportive & engaging environment. This is wonderful news for this region, especially for the local families who have been advocating for respite services for the past 30+ years.

Significant structural works are underway to meet HIQA standards, at an estimated cost of E600k, with the aim of launching fully operational respite services by the end of 2025. A local benefactor has left MooreHaven a significant monetary legacy which will go a long way in paying for the refurbishment. To address the €100k deficit needed for the fit-out, MooreHaven plans to raise funds over five years, through the MooreHaven Golf Classic fundraiser 2025-2030.

All funds raised by or for MooreHaven are used to develop facilities (buildings, computers, vehicles, etc.) for our service users and are not used for day-to-day running costs or expenses.

Bernadette Kiely, Chairperson, MooreHaven Board, described MooreHaven as a place where every individual matters, every achievement is celebrated and every moment is meaningful.
“Together we are building not just a centre, but a future where inclusion and possibility are the foundations of everything we do,” she said.

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“This evening is not just about bricks and mortar,the purpose of the event is about rebuilding and strengthening connections. The service supported by MooreHaven and those attending MooreHaven has always been more than just a building; it’s a place where lives interconnect, friendships are made, and possibilities are nurtured,” said Mike Murnane, CEO of MooreHaven.