Bailieboro fighting fit against recession!

The people of Bailieboro are beating the recession by keeping fit in the magnificent Leisure Centre, which has been extended at a cost of €1.2million, with most of the money being raised in the community. Bailieborough Community Leisure Centre will celebrate ten years in business this summer. To mark the occasion and the completion of the new extension, attractive offers are available and vouchers are being provided for local sports clubs to ensure that as many as possible come along to view and enjoy the new facilities. When The Anglo-Celt visited the centre recently, we encountered 75-year-old Mary Neacy working out in the gym. The retired school teacher says she is perfectly fit for her age and loves the atmosphere in the centre. The board chairman Sean Kellegher says 'community co-operation and ownership is the key to the centre"s success'. For example the local community school provided the site and St. Ann"s National School provided temporary parking, during the construction stage. Cavan County Council added to the extensive local fundraising and the whole business is overseen by a locally elected voluntary committee. Original architect Frank Cooney has combined again with contractor Patsy Carolan to maintain the attractiveness of the original building, while integrating a range of new facilities. The new wrap around extension in addition to the expanded gym contains a large studio with wooden flooring suitable for accommodating dance/exercise groups, together with a whole variety of team activities. Two treatment rooms have been included, which will be staffed by professionals, providing various health/fitness/beauty treatments. A retail unit has also been included, which will be leased to an appropriate service provider for clients of the centre and the general public. Much-needed administration space and staff facilities have been added and there are plans to extend the ladies changing room. 'Bailieborough Leisure Centre is now well placed to offer something for everyone,' says treasurer Isobel Davidson. 'If you are not interested in a swim or the gym, then one can enjoy aerobics or dance with a group or maybe avail of a private treatment, followed by a sociable coffee. We are very pleased to be providing additional good value attractions that will improve well being and fitness for all the community, who wish to avail of them,' says Isobel. She says a lot of schools and children use the swimming pool for swimming lessons. The manager of the Leisure Centre Mary McConnell explained that the size of the gym has been doubled and various types of fitness equipment has been installed. 'Visitors are simply bowled over by the additional space and superb equipment we now have in place.' Mary has been managing the centre since it opened ten years ago. The new cardiovascular machines allows those working out to watch the favourite television programme and hear the sound on an earpiece. The new free weights area is also highly popular. 'The feedback from the public to the new extended gym has been excellent and we now can give people what they want.' With the recession some people have more time on their hands and have reduced working hours. 'We have a lot more users and our newly extended complex offers a much more attractive package.' They are essentially working through the recession by keeping fit. You can join the gym as a member or pay as you go. Because the complex will be in existence for ten years this June, there are reduced rates between 9am and 3pm. 'You can come in and spend as long as you wish for €5, and you can use either the gym or the pool,' said Mary. Many of the swimming pool committee are still active in overseeing the expansion of this facility, which has had a major influence in the business and residential expansion of the town. 'There is no doubt that the pool has been a major influence in people deciding to locate in Bailieborough,' says Mary McDonald, who is the current secretary of the Management Board. 'And the additional facilities that we are now providing will further boost the attractiveness of the town, together with providing healthy enjoyable activity for those who unfortunately now have more spare time, than in recent years,' says Mary. The gym is now the most modern in the area and 'the people of Bailieborough are extremely proud of the Leisure Centre. Ninety per cent of adults and children can now swim in the area.' The other board members include: Brendan O"Reilly, Ciaran McKenna, Dr. Paddy Halligan, Winston Turner and Aidan King and Colin Higgins was on the board until recently. Another committee member is John Keegan and he also keeps the grounds tidy in his spare time. Local benefactor Sheila Germaine and her sister Eileen lynch planted the original swimming pool idea. Contributions from all in the area were added to by Mrs. Germaine and Paddy and Mary Kelly, which together with some state assistance, enabled the pool to open almost debt-free back in 1999. Further generous donations from Mrs. Germaine have assisted the current extension. The board chairman Sean Kellegher says that they will need to borrow more money and the local committee will have the task of further fundraising in the coming years. However, he explains that the benefit to the community from the superb leisure centre makes it all worthwhile. For details about the centre, contact Mary McConnell at 042-9666644 or email info@bailieboroughleisurecentre.com