Templeport Development Association: ‘Bringing people together’

The Anglo-Celt Community & Sports Awards, in partnership with Mannok and Kingspan, will take place this Thursday evening in the Cavan Crystal Hotel.

The Templeport Development Association is among the finalists for Community Group of the Year...

“Absolutely delighted” and “taken aback” is how Isabel Rofé felt upon receiving the news that the Templeport Development Association was among the finalists for Community Group of the Year.

She couldn’t wait to get off the phone and share the news with the rest of the team, but not before sharing the impactful work they do in the community.

“We’re a small group,” outlined the former chairperson, who is still one of the eight group members. The new chairperson is Joseph O’Reilly, joined by secretary Sheila McKiernan, treasurer Katie Donohoe and the other volunteers who make up the group.

The association began back in 2008 by Sean Coll and they have left their stamp on pretty much “everything” in the community since then.

“There’s nothing we haven’t been involved in,” detailed Isabel. Between developing the community garden in Bawnboy village, winning town and village renewal funding to put in new footpaths, painting properties in the village, developing loop walks, organising annual clean ups, erecting signage in conjunction with Cavan County Council and the Geoparks Committee to highlight the “fantastic” amenities in the area, they have made Templeport and the surrounding areas a cleaner place to live, giving the locals a reason to take pride in their area.

On a more personal note, the voluntary group also got involved with checking in on people during Storm Éowyn, knocking on doors and delivering meals and essentials where necessary.

“Whatever people needed,” the Bawnboy native furthered.

In addition, they also regularly update their social media pages to let people know “what’s going on” in the area.

“There’s nothing we don’t do,” Isabel told the Celt.

Bringing community spirit to the area is something the group does several times annually; organising Santa’s memorable visit via helicopter each year, a “huge big” Halloween party, a cookery and crafts event with Bawnboy native Chef Adrian and various heritage events, among many others.

Delving more into the historical aspect of the community, they have produced books on the area and on the railway line going through it. They have won “various” awards for their work, namely for the Templeport Golden Way on the old railway, which was a “dumping ground” and is now a renowned walkway.

“It’s all about community and bringing people together,” she expressed.

“It’s nice to give back, I love my community and want people to have a better life. For the generation that is coming up, I want to see facilities for them and more things for them than there was in my childhood. We work with other stakeholders to try and improve life for all ages and that there will be a future here for them.”

This ethos is one shared by each group member.

“The team that we have is fantastic and then the community, when we need them, they come out in full force to help us.”

With special thanks to our partners and sponsors in these awards - Mannok, Kingspan, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dovida, Kyte Powertech, CICS Silo Clean and Joe Rowley Windows