Project Pathways participants celebrate graduation at Kildare hotel
Ger Alley (General Manager, Killashee), Magda Egan (Head of HR and People, Killashee), Bradley Browne (Project Pathways graduate), Aine Moore (Job Coach, Kare) and Peter Furlong (Operations Manger, Kare) at the Project Pathways graduation
A GROUP of participants from Kare’s Project Pathways initiative at Killashee Hotel have celebrated their graduation, marking an important milestone in their journey towards employment.
Project Pathways is an employment programme that provides young adults with intellectual disabilities with workplace experience and skills development.
Part of Kare’s 'Stepping Stones to Employment' project, it is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union as part of the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme.
The graduation ceremony recognised the achievements of Bradley Browne, Daniel Dunne, Emmett Mangan and Peter Trueman, who completed supported work placements across a range of departments within Killashee Hotel.
Throughout the programme, they developed workplace skills, gained valuable hands-on experience and built confidence in a real working environment.
In a significant achievement for the programme, two participants have secured paid employment with Killashee.
A new group of participants will also begin the Project Pathways programme at the hotel in the coming months, reflecting the success of the programme and the strength of the partnership between Kare and Killashee.
Ger Alley, general manager of Killashee Hotel, praised the contribution made by the participants throughout their placements.
"At Killashee Hotel, we believe that meaningful community engagement is achieved through strong partnerships and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Project Pathways is an outstanding example of how collaboration between businesses and organisations such as Kare can deliver real and lasting impact.
"Our 2026 trainees have made a significant contribution to our workplace through their enthusiasm, dedication and positive attitude. We are proud to support this important initiative and to play a role in helping participants develop their skills and confidence for the future."
Margaret O'Neill, CEO of Kare, congratulated the participants: "We are incredibly proud of Bradley, Emmett, Daniel and Peter and all they have achieved during Project Pathways.
"We are especially delighted that it has led to paid employment, a perfect example of the difference that programmes like this can make in opening up employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
"I'd like to thank Ger, Magda and the entire Killashee team for their clear commitment to building inclusive workplaces where people are supported to grow and succeed."
The ceremony concluded with graduates receiving certificates and gifts in recognition of their achievements and celebrating with family members, friends, hotel colleagues and the Kare team.
