The SpRED organisation work with Special Needs group and vulnerable adults. About 15 years ago the question arose was there a possibility of arranging a night out for Special Friends, as their brothers and sisters could attend Youth clubs and the fact there were some Special Friends in the parish for First Communion a group was formed. Late Parish Priest of Desertmartin Fr Kelly and helpers met fortnightly although not a SpRED group then. Members of this group did attend SpRED meetings and visit SpRED groups but these groups had large numbers and many different needs.
The Desertmartin group is small with 4 Special Friends who are quite active and weather permitting like to go walking. During winter activities are in the hall: games, jigsaws, colouring books, snakes & ladders, lego, football, bat & ball games and some dancing. They meet fortnightly on Monday night in St Mary’s Hall.
SpRED Mass is said before Summer break and is followed by a get together of family, friends and neighbours. Before the Christmas break they have a Mass followed by a party in the Parish Hall.
Details are published in the Parish Bulletin.