Sunday 3rd November was a very special day at Corduff Raferagh Community Centre where the latest addition to the building was officially opened by Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. The Community Centre which was built in 1983 has evolved over the past 40+ years to facilitate the contemporary needs of the local community that it serves. The original structure had two long stair wells to facilitate movement throughout the building, with the main areas of the building on the main hall level. When new facilities were added in 2003, the building now had five different levels, with all areas in constant use. The main stairwell is used to access three levels and two smaller sets of stairs access the in between levels. As years progressed many users of the facilities found it difficult to access the higher levels of the building such as the Conference Room, Heritage Room, Balcony and Bright Sparks. Although the addition of a Lift was discussed on many occasions over the years, funding such a project would require an inordinate amount of fundraising and effort for a voluntary committee.
The announcement of the 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund provided the opportunity and potential financial input to take on the task of adding the much needed facility to the Centre to make all levels of the building available to everyone. An application for funding was submitted and to the delight of the Community Association the grant was awarded. This extension, however, was going to be a tricky project to plan and build, given that the lift needed to reach five separate levels. With a lot of hard work by the architect, builder along with expertise from some of the committee members, construction started in February of this year. And Sunday last was the culmination of two years’ planning and work.
On arrival on Sunday afternoon, Minister Heather Humphreys, cut the ribbon to officially open the new extension which includes the lift, storage area and new accessible toilet facilities. Many locals assembled to participate in the event and view the work carried out. Chairperson of Corduff Raferagh Community Association, Lorcan Hand and Secretary, Patricia Murtagh proceeded to take Minister Humphreys to the various levels of the building showing the benefits of the new lift in accessing the various floors. All assembled proceeded to the main hall where Lorcan delivered his speech, starting by welcoming everyone to the Centre for the Official opening, with a special welcome to Heather Humphreys, Minister Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and attending county councillors. “As a community, we were always aware that there were areas of the Community Centre which were inaccessible to some members of the public. We had previously secured funding for the hot desks, conference room and had high speed broadband installed. With these facilities and Bright Sparks preschool and afterschool on the third floor, there was greater need for inclusive access to this area of the building. The committee got together and started to discuss plans for a Lift and an addressable fire alarm system. Owen Finnegan of Finnegan & Jackson came on board as our architect. The drawings were drafted and numerous meetings were held over the following months. We applied for planning permission and funding for this project, both of which were successful. We were granted €237,500 from the Department of Rural and Community Development. The project went out to tender, and Seán Hand Construction was awarded the job.”
Lorcan thanked Owen Finnegan for all his help with the design, as it was a difficult design. Also Seán Hand Construction, his staff and sub-contractors for carrying out such a complex project so efficiently. Special mention and commendation was extended to Eoin Hand for his workmanship and help throughout this project. Lorcan thanked Corduff Gaels, Corduff Handballers, Bright Sparks and all the other organisations that used the facilities during the renovations for their patience throughout the construction and apologised for all the inconveniences caused.
Special thanks went out to Pauline Reilly, the Community Centre manager, and the Solas workers for keeping all activities running as normal throughout the build. Thank you was extended to the Corduff Raferagh Community Association members for all their voluntary time put into the project. A special thanks to the groups secretary, Patricia Murtagh, who works tirelessly behind the scenes on grant applications and day to day issues that arise during such a project. Corduff Raferagh Drama Group was thanked for their production of “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Relative”, which raised €10,000 towards the project and also the wider community for their ongoing support and volunteer work.
Finally Lorcan, thanked all Government bodies from whom funding was received – Pobal, Monaghan County Council and especially the Department of Rural and Community Development. Minister Heather Humphreys and her Department clearly understand what funding means to rural communities like ours. We as a committee and as a community are grateful for all the funding and help we have received over the years.
Lorcan then wished Heather the very best of luck in her retirement and the next chapter of her life. Joan Farrelly, Assistant Secretary of the group made a small presentation to Heather marking her upcoming retirement. After which Minister Heather Humphreys took to the podium to say a few words, stating that during her ministry she “wanted to support Community Centres across the country” and
admired the “great facility the lift was to the building”. Heather commended the Corduff Raferagh community on its community spirit, noting how the production of“Where There’s a Will, There’s a Relative” provided the opportunity for the community to financially support the project, while also having a great night’s entertainment. Community Centres are all “about bringing people together” and this latest addition will ensure the building is user friendly for everyone. Heather alsonoted that “Ireland is a global leader for remote working as a result of the Connect Hubs initiative, with Scottish authorities trying to emulate the Irish system.”
During Minister Humphreys tenure, “39 community facilities received over 4 million euro in grants for the improvement and refurbishment of their buildings, bringing their amenities up to modern spec.” Heather commended the Corduff Raferagh community “on facing the challenges to improve the Community Centre and getting on with the job.” She concluded that it was “always a pleasure to visit the Corduff Raferagh Community Centre.”
After the speeches were concluded, all assembled enjoyed refreshments served by the Community Centre Manager, Pauline Reilly and her team while having an opportunity to meet and chat with Heather, Councillor Aidan Campbell, Councillor David Maxwell and Rory O’Hanlon, who tended the Dispensary which was located in the Community Centre in the mid-1980s.
Forty years on, the vision of the late Fr. Peter McGuinness and many stalwarts of the Corduff Raferagh Community continues to grow and evolve with the needs of the surrounding community and provide facilities and amenities for all age groups.
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Although the Community Centre always looks fantastic a mammoth ‘before the visitors arrive’ tidy up took place. Thanks to Pauline, Agnese, Geraldine, Linda, Brendan, Dylan Hand and committee members who had the building pristine for the occasion. The speeches on the day were short, sweet and straight to the point, which gave ample time for mingling, chatting, catching up and enjoying the beautiful refreshments provided by Pauline and her staff. Sincere thank you to all the bakers who provided beautiful treats for all to sample. Many tried out the new lift, with some visiting the Conference Room and Heritage room for the first time, demonstrating the importance of the latest upgrade to the Community Centre. Thank you to all who attended the event and made it a thoroughly enjoyable day.
