The refurbishment of the
old Ancient Order of Hibernians
(A.O.H.) Hall at
the Iris Charles Centre was long
overdue.

Iris Charles and her Committee
bought the premises in 1961.
They were already working to alleviate
loneliness in older people
living in the area. They used the
hall for concerts, fancy dress parties,
bingo and fitness classes.

Then, in 1967, they started
providing dinners. The dinners
were cooked at Lakelands Convent,
collected by volunteers and
served in the hall until the new
dining room was built in 1981.

The dinners continue to be
served there and are very popular.
Nowadays the food comes
from Crosscare, Holles Row. All
the workers at the Centre are volunteers.
The refurbishment of the Hall
was started in September 2009
and finished in December. We
wish to thank the firm of Austin
Reddy and Co., Architects based
at 44 Clontarf Road, Dublin 3
and all their staff for the services
which they gave free of charge.

We hope that the new hall will
be used for the benefit of all the
older people in the Sandymount/
Ringsend/ Irishtown area. We
would welcome ideas and of
course volunteers from the community.

Please contact Sheila at
086 8219987 or Claire at 087
2368548.

Top: The former AOH hall
before restoration.

Above: The fully restored centre
with its relaxed and friendly
atmosphere.