‘Everyone is equal at Camphill Community’

The Camphill Community in Callan, Co Kilkenny is a place that is close to my heart, as it is where my foster brother, Nicholas, has called home for the last 35 years.

Nicholas is living with cerebral palsy and requires full nursing care, but what has always struck me is the dignity and respect that he is afforded as a community member of Camphill.

As the years have passed, Nicholas’ health has been a more significant determining factor of how he spends his day. However, he still attends the weekly meetings, where plans are hatched for the months ahead; he enjoys coffee dates with other community members; and recently has been attending an art class in the Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent (KCAT) arts centre.

Nicholas also contributes to the workload of the KCAT flat, where he lives, with suitable jobs he enjoys such as laundry-folding and fruit shopping. His days are busy, filled with meaning. His contribution is valued, and those around him are caring, loving and supportive. He’s part of a community anyone would be proud to call their own.

Art and entrepreneurship

Through my time visiting Camphill, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know other members. Eoghan O’Brien, who lives in the KCAT flat along with Nicholas, has many passions and tries his best to spread his time between them; from running his own business to working on Camphill’s farm in Grangemuckler.

“I’m always busy on the farm,” Eoghan declares, “mucking out the stables, feeding sheep, feeding the cows – it’s a busy place, but I love it.”

In 2022, Eoghan graduated with an art diploma from Ormonde College. The community in Camphill were backing him all the way and a staff worker supported Eoghan with his assignment and course work.

“Then, last year, I set up my own ironing business in Callan, with the help of John O’Connor,” says Eoghan. John is a representative from the Camphill Initiatives of Social Ecology (C.I.S.E), an organisation which helps with the start-up of micro businesses, such as Eoghan’s. “I’ve always enjoyed ironing, and I love having my own business,” he adds.

Eoghan also works in Grafton Barbers in Kilkenny after receiving training in their Dublin shop; an initiative promoted by Down Syndrome Ireland and facilitated by Grafton Barbers.

When asked what his favourite work would be, Eoghan says, “I love it all, the barber shop, the ironing, and farming. I like to keep busy, and I love all the friends I make along the way.”

Whenever possible Eoghan likes to help others too. He has many charities close to his heart but his recent initiative to fundraise for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association was inspired by the passing of Patrick Lydon, who many will concur was the driving force of the Camphill Community in Ireland.

Treading the boards

Shane Bryne has also lived for 15 years in the KCAT flat. An actor and theatre maker, Shane’s schedule is also a hectic one – he recently took to the stage with his performance First Light, as part of Carlow Arts Festival.

After completing an acting course in Trinity College Dublin, Shane returned to Callan bursting with ideas and in 2008 went on to become one of the founding members of Equinox Theatre, an ensemble-based company dedicated to the creation, development, production and touring of new inclusive theatre work.

When I visited KCAT arts centre, which is also home to Equinox Theatre, it was a hive of activity with theatre practice in full swing, as well as different art classes in progress. Shane credits Patrick Lydon as the powerhouse behind the start of KCAT arts centre and Equinox theatre company.

“He started our community, Camphill Callan, and if it wasn’t for Mr Lydon there wouldn’t be any Camphill Callan or KCAT Arts Centre. Everyone here, including myself was fond of

him,” he says.

Shane also credits George McCutcheon, a talented artist and community member for helping to establish KCAT 25 years ago. He wanted to create an inclusive space for art, and this was achieved along with Patrick and other Camphill members.

“Equinox Theatre Company recently had a symposium to celebrate 15 years of the company,” says Shane.

“It’s a process to put a performance together,” he says. With so many productions to his name it would be hard to think stage fright would ever be an issue for this experienced artist, but when asked how it feels the moment before he steps on stage, Shane says, “I do admit, I get a little nervous, just butterflies, but once I’m on stage and the lights come on, I think, ‘let’s do this’. I’m ready. I love it when I’m in the spotlight. I actually love it.”

Aside from his acting and theatre work, Shane works on the farm in Grangemuckler, and as an avid gardener he also volunteers with the West Court Community Growers.

Everyone is equal

Elyse Clark is the house co-ordinator at Camphill’s KCAT flat. In 2016, she arrived in Ireland from Australia with the intention of staying with cousins for one month. Elyse credits the homely atmosphere and community spirit in Camphill as the reason why that one month became eight years.

“Being so far away from home there’s a real sense of community, living in Camphill, it’s warm and welcoming and ultimately, it’s just a nice place to live and work,” she says.

Initially, Elyse was drawn to apply for a job in Camphill as she was so moved by the inclusiveness of this community. Now she feels it has lived up to its expectations.

“Everyone is treated as an equal in Camphill, whether you’re a short-term volunteer, staff, or a community member with support needs, everyone is an equal,” she concludes.

• The Camphill Community was founded in Scotland in 1940.

• In 1972, the first Camphill Community was set up in Ireland.

• Funded by the HSE, Camphill runs 12 residential centres for people with disabilities.