Communities across north Kerry attended a Community Appreciation Day hosted by EirGrid and Moyvane Community Sports Hall recently. The Kilpadogue Knockanure Community Appreciation Day attracted large crowds who got to meet Kerry GAA star and All Ireland winner, Jason Foley, along with the Sam Maguire. The event was held to celebrate 15 community groups and initiatives that benefited from the €205,000 EirGrid Community Sponsorship Fund.
Proceedings were opened by Brian Kiely of Moyvane Community Sports Hall, who welcomed the communities of Tarbert, Moyvane and Knockanure to the event. Those in attendance enjoyed outdoor activities, a barbecue, and entertainment from the Cronin School of Irish Dancing, along with music by local musicians.
Speaking about the event, Sinead Dooley, head of public engagement, EirGrid, said: “We are delighted so many people from across north Kerry came out to this community celebration. It is so important to recognise the invaluable voluntary work being done in these communities, and at EirGrid we’re proud to support these efforts through this sponsorship fund.”
“We would like to thank the committee of Moyvane Community Sports Hall who jointly hosted the event, and to all those involved in giving of their time so generously to make it such an enjoyable day,” added Dooley.
Case studies of each project were displayed in the sports hall, with many of those involved in the projects, speaking about the funding. One such project to benefit, was Tarbert Comprehensive School, which received funding to aid in the replacement of its gymnasium floor. Principal of the school, Richard Prendiville said: “The assistance EirGrid gave to us in the school has been great and it’s great to have a day like this to celebrate and acknowledge what they’ve done for us”. “We were lucky beneficiaries of €10,000 from EirGrid, towards our long-term gym project. Our gym was ageing, had a 40-year-old concrete tiled floor. Now we have a raised timber floor and over 500 students and over 60 staff, clubs and societies, Tarbert mens and ladies football teams use it. It’s a wonderful resource to have,” added Mr Prendiville.
Speaking about another project to receive funding, Tom Fitzgerald of Knockanure Community Development Association said the funding helped the association update its plumbing and heating system, along with the provision of CPR training, a toilet refit, and much more. “We were delighted with the sponsorship from EirGrid, especially the upgrade of the heating and plumbing. The old schoolhouse is used for school parties, dance classes CPR training, birthdays and communions,” explained Fitzgerald.
The association also provides up to 115 meals locally each week through its Meals-on-Wheels initiative.
Seamus Roche, of Moyvane Development Association, which received funding towards upgrading a nature trail walk, said it was “great to have a community event like this”.
