Community at the heart of everything

A town is more than just the buildings and roads. It’s about community, and what truly defines Kilnaleck and its wider hinterland is the spirit of togetherness that tethers everything.

If unity forms the beating heart, then identity, pride, and support are the lifeblood. “When people feel connected, they care more,” suggests local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith.

“The community here in Kilnaleck works hard and they work well with each other,” Cllr Smith continues. “You only have to look at the various community groups, the football club, to see that happening. But it has to start somewhere, and importantly, that’s with the people who live in the town and in the areas around it.”

One of the most pressing needs locally, as in most towns, is for more housing. Cavan County Council partnered with Crosserlough Construction to deliver 13 new social homes across two developments worth over €2.67 million at Clós Chill na Leice on Main Street and Radharc na Beairice on Barrack Road. Both under currently under construction.

Clós Chill na Leice is particularly significant as it addresses the issue of dereliction and underused buildings- a worrying presence in most rural areas.

Built on the site of the former Briody Hardware premises, the project involves the demolition, renovation, and extension of a two-storey structure to create eight one-bed maisonette units.

Radharc na Beairice features four new bungalows and the refurbishment and extension of an existing bungalow to deliver four two-bed units and one three-bed unit.

Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-2026 and stand to “breathe new life” into the town centre, enthuses Cllr Smith while also noting the recent resurfacing of Chapel Road.

“That sort of thing, that level of investment, is so important for a town like Kilnaleck.”

Súil Eile

At the other end of the scale, but just as important, is Súil Eile - the bustling community café started by local businessman Eugene Kiernan, along with Eugene Farrelly and his late wife Monica McCormick.

The café opened during the pandemic and has always represented more than a place to get a decent cuppa.

Its founders wanted to give something back. That it’s regularly used by locals, including the Irish-speaking Cúpla Focal group, is testament to that.

“It’s a social centre for people above all else.

“We just so happen to sell coffee on the side,” laughs Eugene, his thick moustache ruffling with amusement.

It would be easy, Eugene states, to dwell on all that Kilnaleck has lost over the years - a library, bank, credit union, post office, 10 pubs, and a petrol station - “gone” in the whisper of time.

Hopeful

But he remains hopeful, believing the key to survival for rural towns like Kilnaleck lies in self-reliance.

“It’s up to us to look after ourselves,” he says.

“That’s how small towns like this survive.”

Golden Jubilee at Drumkilly NS

Schools play an important role too. In June, Drumkilly National School - one of three in immediate area alongside Kilnaleck and Crosserlough - marked its Golden Jubilee. What began 50 years ago with four classrooms has grown into a thriving hub, home to almost 100 pupils, six teachers, two SNAs, and part-time staff. Like the others, it remains a cornerstone of community life.

Equally vital to Kilnaleck’s social fabric is the business community, with companies like KORE Insulation playing a central role. The award-winning manufacturer of expanded polystyrene products has built a legacy around innovation, job creation, and local engagement.

In 2025, KORE expanded its facility by installing a fully automated cutting and packaging line now operating 24/7. This has doubled production capacity and improved turnaround times.

At the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Awards, KORE was honoured for Construction Product Innovation for its Low Carbon EPS. Its retrofit division also received an award for excellence in residential retrofitting. Additionally, the company achieved Eco Verified certification and BBA approval for its products, affirming its sustainability credentials. KORE also invests in its people. Its annual Wellness Week promotes staff well-being and ends with a staff sports day at Crosserlough GFC.

These events strengthen internal culture while underlining KORE’s ongoing support for local sport and community causes.

Crosserlough GFC

Community and connection meanwhile pulse through Crosserlough GAA. Adrian O’Reilly, club Chair for the past three years, has been involved at every level - from juvenile to senior leadership. He also pulled on the famous black and amber with pride when called upon as a player.

Crosserlough bringing home the County Senior Championship in 2024 was a triumph celebrated by the entire parish.

“The club brings the whole community together,” says Adrian earnestly. It’s a philosophy embedded in every project, every conversation, every volunteer hour, and every handshake.

They’re not just words either. At Dr Plunkett Memorial Park last week, the local Cul Camp hosted 195 children from neighbouring parishes - the biggest of its kind in the county by some distance.

Activity Hub

Edel Reilly, coordinator of the Kilnaleck Activity Hub, helps lead efforts to turn the grounds into a near year-round resource for all sports, well-being, and inclusion.

“Really, our year runs from September to June,” explains Edel. “We try to work around the busy league and championship seasons. We run everything from kids’ camps to holiday events, but also the All Stars programme, which empowers children with disabilities and promotes inclusion.”

The hub ensures the grounds serve the entire community - GAA fans or not.

When the Celt speaks with Adrian and Edel, they’re at the clubrooms to honour a key figure behind the scenes: Sean Smith, a CE worker retiring as caretaker after 33 years.

Sean has also served voluntarily as PRO, treasurer, and Lotto co-ordinator.

“Without people like Sean, there would be no club,” says Adrian. “That’s what I mean when I say the club is the community.”

Sean perhaps captures the sentiment best when addressing the dozens gathered for his send off.

“We’re all together in the one community,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. You have to work together in the long run, because we’re only here a few years. We must help each other.”