As part of Fingal Inclusion Week, we were delighted to open our doors to Howth Sutton Autism Friendly Community, (HSAFC) and help them celebrate one year of “Removing Barriers in the Community”,
HSAFC has already made a remarkable impact on the lives of the local autistic community. Speaking at the event, Chairperson Gillian Molyneux spoke of how partnering with AsIAm and the National Federation of Arch Clubs of Ireland, had made it possible to get clubs and activities running locally.
Ms Molyneux said “We hit the ground running because there was such a great need for locally based activities which would give autistic individuals of all ages the opportunity to meet and make meaningful friendships”
Ms Molyneux welcomed the success of the AsIAm Autism Champions programme in the Howth Sutton area, and encouraged other local businesses to sign up to this accessible and inclusive programme which can be delivered either in person or online.
Mayor of Fingal, Tom O’Leary also spoke, welcoming the progress that had been made in the year since HSAFC’s launch and noting the event was being held on the first day of Fingal Inclusion week. The Mayor said: “I know that you have all been engaged in opportunities to educate the wider community about autism. You had a stand at the Howth Maritime Festival with educational posters. You have attended Expos and Fairs, and conducted outreach at supermarkets and at local schools during Autism Acceptance Month in April, teaching children and staff about autism”.
The Mayor mentioned that HSAFC had also partnered with Fingal Co Council to host one of its very popular Festival in a Van series, also in the grounds of Howth Castle, and our General Manager, Eoin Quinlan, spoke of how the Howth Castle Estate was delighted to partner with the community for this inclusive occasion, and to be hosting this event.
During the event, participants were shown a short film produced and narrated by two young autistic adults, Adam Greenan and Stephen Clery that gave everyone a great sense of the exciting, positive engagement and enthusiasm which has been created. It also highlighted the wider breadth of activities that autistic individuals can now enjoy within their own community thanks to the great work of the Committee and volunteers. Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm and Sinead Mc Gowan, CEO of the National Federation of Arch Clubs also celebrated and congratulated all on the great difference the group had made in such a short time. Adam Harris acknowledged "We are very impressed by the wonderful progress of the Howth Sutton Autism-Friendly Town Committee over the last year. We were delighted to mark that progress at our Autism-Friendly Town Awards in March when the Committee was recognised with our Environmental action award in recognition of the steps they have taken, in just one short year, to meaningfully reduce barriers for Autistic people and ensure that our community enjoys the same chance to live, learn, workand play in Howth and Sutton. It is great to have an opportunity to celebrate all the hard work, and achievement to-date, and we look forward to supporting the Committee as they continue to work towards our Autism-Friendly Town status."
William Nestor, AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Manager added: "The community spirit which has grown from the two communities combined has not only provided meaningful impact for autistic people and their families locally, but also has clearly brought about new friendships and opportunities for all.
It's clearly evident that the committee and community has gone above and beyond to make Howth and Sutton more inclusive places to live, work, and play. The voluntary effort in terms of education on autism understanding & acceptance throughout the community, as well as significant efforts to make local events and seasonal occasions more inclusive and accessible have been tremendous and it's very exciting to see what will come in the next chapter for Howth and Sutton."
Ms Mc Gowan said that “Arch Clubs are the heartbeat of social inclusion – a place where friendships grow, capabilities shine, and everyone belongs”.
MC for the evening, Chairperson Gillian Molyneux concluded by inviting all present to join the music group in a stirring rendition of “Stand by Me”, showcasing the musical talents of our autistic community and ending the evening on a note of warmth and inspiration.
Posted on 27 Nov 2025.
