Corduff Raferagh Community Association’s AGM was held on Wednesday 14th May 2025. Chairperson of the group, Lorcan, welcomed all present to the meeting, especially the individuals and representatives of groups and clubs who turned out on the night.
Patricia the group’s secretary proceeded with her report, detailing the activities for the previous year. The main project in 2024 was the completion of the lift extension and its official opening on 3rd Nov 2024 with Minister Heather Humphries. The lift was installed with grant assistance from the Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 it is a great asset to the building. During 2024 the Centre and Mountain Dew was very busy hosting birthday, christening, anniversary, communion & confirmation parties, funeral receptions, reunions, meetings, heritage events, information evenings, social dancing and Fior Ceili’s and we introduced Pickle Ball for a number of months. The Drama Group performed “Where there’s a Will..there’s a relative” over 3 nights in April 2024, with great success. The Mountain Dew was also used for the monthly Trad session, poker classics, pool competitions, table quizzes, celebrations and presentations. Mairead is always very accommodating and welcoming. Towards the end of the year the Centre hosted the Halloween disco, bazzar and santa’s visit, which is a great family day out, thanks to the Byrne family. New tills were purchased for the bar in 2024.
Groups that used the centre in 2024, including Bright Sparks Playschool and Afterschool, Set Dancing, Ceili Club, Active Retirement Group, Bowls, Heritage Group, Pipe Band, Social Dancing, Football club, along with smaller group classes occasionally. The centre manager Pauline and her CE workers, Geraldine, Agnes and Linda are always on hand to cater for the needs of the community for centre activities. Agnese decorated the centre wonderfully for many special occasions and Brendan helping out with all the heavy lifting. In 2024 our CoRa Hub was used for remote working and the conference room was used for computer and genealogy classes. Fundraising activities in 2024 included a 5k fun run/walk in January and the Big Breakfast after the blessing of the graves in July. New defibrillators were installed at Corduff and Raferagh, which were in need of upgrade, thanks to donations and fundraising. Sponsorship from local businesses – Hills Garden Centre, Corrigan Staircases, MK Bricklaying, Activ8, Monaghan Physio, O’Sullivan Murtagh Solicitors and L & P Developments, was appreciated for the upkeep of our website. Throughout 2024 we got funding from various bodies to maintain and upgrade our facilities including Monaghan County Council, AIB Community Fund, SSE Community Fund and Clar Funding.
Treasurer Conor, gave a breakdown of the financials as it stood at the end of the financial year dated 30.08.2024. Conor thanked our Bar Manager Mairead and her team for contributing to the revenue stream through their dedicated work. And our Centre Manager Pauline and her team for providing the services that contribute to the continued use of our centre for all types of events. The treasurers continue to work behind the scenes to get the best value for money for all expenses incurred by negotiating with individual suppliers where possible. One such negotiation was with the County Council in respect of our rates obligations. Lorcan, Patricia, Ben and Peadar put in a serious effort to have our bill reduced in line with the voluntary organisation that it is. Grants received in the year to 30.08.2024 were €83,109. These grants are most welcome and the process of applying is not easy and Conor thanked Patricia and Lorcan for their contributions in this area. In respect of Finance, Conor thanked Denis and Ben for their continued support. Full financial reports are available from Conor on request.
In his address Lorcan thanked a number of people without whom the day to day running of the Community Centre would be impossible. Top of the list was Pauline for all her work – setting up for events, cooking, dealing with bookings, organising maintenance and upkeep of the building etc. An incredible amount of behind the scenes work takes place without most knowing anything about it. Pauline’s Solas staff past and present for their dedication and Shay Burns for all his help; Rosie Mills for her help and guidance throughout the year. Volunteers are extremely important as back up for the committee and staff and their assistance is very much appreciated. The Byrne family for their outstanding help with Santa and other events, again the behind the scenes work is phenomenal. Peter Brennan and Carrickmacross Comhaltas for entertainment at the monthly sessions in the Mountain Dew. Patrick Ward and his volunteers who organise and run the monthly social dancing. Jimmy Marron for his help with maintenance work. All the groups and organisations that use the facilities and the building throughout the year, it is really appreciated. Monaghan County Council and all Government departments for their funding throughout the year. Lorcan proceeded to thank his fellow officers and committee members for their dedication as volunteers throughout the year. Patricia puts in a massive effort every year, completing detailed grant applications, which not only facilitate upgrades to the building, but also general maintenance etc. Joan our Vice Secretary for sharing Patricia’s workload. Conor and Denis for implementing successful financial strategies within their roles. Bernie, for keeping social media, newspaper reports, and the website updated with everything that is on in the Community Centre and parish. The sponsors of the Corduff Raferagh website, were thanked for their support in keeping the Website viable for our community.
Mairéad, Míchéal and staff, especially John Fox and Gerard Corrigan for helping out with the running of the Mountain Dew. Mairead always delivers a high standard, no matter how big or small the events are and again a serious amount of work is undertaken behind the scenes.
In 2024 we welcomed former Minister Heather Humphries and other dignitaries and invited guests, as well as locals, to the official opening of the Lift Extension here at the Centre. We can now facilitate everyone’s needs which is a great achievement by everyone who helped out with this project. Thank you to everyone involved.
In their reports Lorcan and Patricia passed a vote of sympathy to the families that lost loved ones in the past year, congratulated all families who welcomed new arrivals and to those who got married. Congratulations was extended to vice treasure Denis McCabe and Karen McArdle who recently celebrated their marriage. Wishing them both health and happiness in the years ahead.
Both Lorcan and Patricia concluded their reports by encouraging new members with new ideas to join the committee or to assist in any way that they can. It is a community facility, and it is there for everyone to participate and help out when and where possible.
The election of offices took place and there were no changes as all officers were re-elected. However, a few new members joined the committee which is wonderful to see, as all help and assistance is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers are always welcome, as multiple skills and talents are needed for the successful running of any organisation. Backup teams to help with setting up of chairs and tables, or dressing tables are always appreciated as quite often events are planned at short notice so a pool of assistants would be fantastic to have. If you can spare a little time please contact any member of the Community Association Committee.
