Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural & Community Development, who offically opened the new Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA) in Ballyjamesduff with Helen Smith, Kevin Fox, Susie Willis, Cllr Trevor Smith, Minister Humphreys , Cllr Clifford Kelly, chairman, Cavan County Council and Teresa Tierney.

Plenty to celebrate in Ballyjamesduff

There was a carnival atmosphere in Ballyjamesduff recently as the community came together to celebrate the culmination of a number of key infrastructural projects in the town. Live music, captivating dance performances and the official opening of the new 'Multi Use Games Arena' (MUGA) by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, were among the highlights.

The magnificent sports complex features tennis courts and basketball facilities and a handball alley, adjacent to the beautifully restored courthouse. This project was funded by Leader and the Sports Capital Grant.

The successful staging of culture weekend saw an Arts and Crafts Fair, with live entertainment on the Main Square. This aspect of the weekend was funded by the Department of Arts and it was organised by Teach Solas.

Minister Humphreys said she was delighted to be present and extolled the virtues of what can be achieved through combined community effort.

The Minister said the creation of a multi-use sports arena showed the vision of the people in the local Community Council to make their town a much better place to live.

Other dignitories present included Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF), the Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) and Director of Services Eoin Doyle.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the Ballyjamesduff MD, Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) said he was also a proud member of the Ballyjamesduff Community Council.

He explained that the community council lead the project with the backing of Cavan County Council, Cavan LCDC, Minister Humphreys and her Department.

Cllr Smith also thanked the local McCabe Group, who completed the refurbishment works with "their usual superb expertise".

He described the Community Council as a "small tight group of local volunteers" who are "passionate about improving their town". The hard working committee includes: Susan Willis, Teresa Tierney, Helen Cussins, Clare Willis, Kevin Fox and Cllr Smith.

"The Community Council have proven themselves of being capable of bringing projects to conclusion. Planning is already underway for our next big ambitious project, which will be the development of the hotel. We look forward to working with Minister Humphreys and her Department in this regard in the near future," concluded Cllr Smith.

The chairperson of the Community Council, Susan Willis, said it was a great day for the town of Ballyjamesduff.

In addition to those already mentioned, she also thanked LEADER, particularly Elaine Halpin, for their backing; Alan Traynor, consulting engineer for his professional work; and Terry Hyland from Cavan County Local Development.

Ms Willis also extolled the virtues of the hardworking committee for their dedication to ensuring "this special day became a reality".

There is now also public seating located at strategic points all over the town.

"Today is the culimiation of a lot of hard work and creativity and ensures that Ballyjamesduff is a brighter place to live, work and play for all," concluded Ms Willis.

Terry Hyland, chairman of Cavan County Local Development, said: “This Multi Use Games Area is a credit to the community in Ballyjamesduff and proves that with ambition and leadership communities have the power to self determine the shared spaces and infrastructure they need to create vibrant and integrated communities.”

He encouraged more communities to come forward and take advantage of the LEADER Programme while funding is still available.