Reading chair honouring the late Seán Quilty unveiled in Athlone
Athlone Community Services Council (ACSC) honoured the memory of the late Seán Quilty, its former chairperson and a hugely popular member of the local community, with the unveiling of a commemorative reading chair at Clonbrusk Childcare Centre last Wednesday.
Mr Quilty, a Limerick native and former Army officer who served in several community roles in his adopted home of Athlone, died in March of last year at the age of 84.
The reading chair honouring him was unveiled in the community garden during the 2025 Clonbrusk Childcare Centre graduation ceremony.
Seán Quilty's wife, Connie, son Conor, and grandson, Gavin, were in attendance to share in the special tribute.
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Connie Quilty, wife of the late Seán Quilty, cuts the ribbon on the reading chair in his memory alongside Jenny Fletcher, Head of Childcare Services at Athlone Community Services Council. PAULINA KUSAImage 2 of 3
Sile Flaherty, Jenny Fletcher, Head of Childcare Services at Athlone Community Services Council (ACSC), Gavin Quilty, Conor Quilty, Connie Quilty, Cyril Dully, Chairperson, ACSC, Michael Harney, Grace Naughton, Head of Services, ACSC and Matt Ryan, Sec, ACSC. PAULINA KUSAImage 3 of 3
Cyril Dully, Chairperson, Athlone Community Services Council, speaking at last Wednesday’s Clonbrusk Childcare Centre graduation. PAULINA KUSAFor 18 years, Seán served as chairperson of ACSC, where he was renowned for his dedication, compassion, and vision. He was a tireless supporter of ACSC Childcare Services and played a key role in developing and sustaining high-quality supports for children and families across Athlone.
ACSC said the Retreat Park resident's "forward-thinking leadership and deep care for the wellbeing of others helped shape the services we are so proud of today.
"Seán was more than a leader; he was a storyteller, a familiar and reassuring presence, and a friend to all," it added.
Jenny Fletcher, Head of Childcare Services, recalled: "Seán was a constant at Clonbrusk graduations, never missing a chance to sit among the children, listen, encourage and share a story.
"He made every staff member feel seen and supported. His love of storytelling and unwavering support of early years educators left a lasting impact that continues to be felt every day.
"Seán's spirit remains, nurturing young minds, inspiring educators, and reminding us all of the value of kindness, commitment, and community," she added.
ACSC said it was honoured to dedicate the reading chair to Seán Quilty in recognition of his lasting legacy and unwavering belief in the power of community.
Placed in the heart of the children's reading area, it will serve as a symbol of his love for stories, his support for early years educators, and his presence in the lives of those he served so faithfully.