Community Centre to kick off 2026 with new Social Club
With an online notice that proudly says: “We’re Open!” Ballyconnell Community Centre was re-opened at the start of this year and ever since has been delivering a safe space, and a community hub for Ballyconnell folk of all ages and interests.
After the Christmas break, the community centre gets right back to it with the launch of Ballyconnell Social Club.
The initiative to bring neighbours together and boosts wellbeing while having fun will include games nights, exercise and sports, a book club, social afternoon gatherings, storytelling, concerts and more as the weeks roll in.
As always, the team at the community centre promise to “build a warm, friendly and active community where everyone is welcome” and add that they “can’t wait” to see everyone there.
The Social Club is just one way Ballyconnell people can take part in a growing calendar of community activities.
Supported by funding from the International Fund for Ireland, the club is already running a popular Tea & Chat session every second Tuesday from 2-4pm featuring games and crafts; while participants are busy planning new additions such as dancing classes, and a host of creative workshops for the year ahead. The official launch will be this January!
To help bring people together through music, the group has also introduced Community Jam, a relaxed social event where everyone is welcome to join in or simply enjoy the atmosphere—the next session will take place on Sunday, December 28.
Looking ahead to January, a story-writing workshop will kick off a project gathering and creating stories based in Ballyconnell, with full details to be shared on the club’s Facebook page.
The Social Club is also delighted to host its first Christmas Market on December 7 from 1pm, running alongside the Santa meet-and-greet and the town’s Christmas tree lights ceremony, promising a festive day for all.
Since reopening, the centre has truly begun to flourish, buzzing with activity and a renewed sense of community spirit.
The hall is now alive throughout the week with pickleball, badminton, volleyball, martial arts and a growing variety of programmes that are attracting people of all ages back through the doors.
Also, a Seamus O’Rourke play ‘The night Joe Dolans Car Broke Down’ will be staged at the Community Centre on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
As everyone knows such an exciting programme of events that encourages neighbourliness, social interaction, inclusivity and participation among all age groups would be possible without the dedication and hard work of the Ballyconnell Community Centre’s committee, whose commitment to revitalising the space has made the centre a vibrant hub once again.
The team at the centre also want to extend their sincere thanks to Laura Brady, IFI Project Manager, “whose guidance and support have played a vital role in bringing this new chapter to life".