Revamp for Castlerahan centre

The Castlerahan Community Centre has received recent refurbishments, enhancing the lively meeting spot for all ages and interests.

While the paint on the skirting boards was still drying, Larry McGinn, chairman of the Castlerahan Community Development, was delighted to announce the finishing touches to a well-used hub. “CLÁR funding provided for the disability accesses and fitting out the meetings rooms. The new playground came from LEADER with the very generous contribution of the new Vintage Club who helped match the costs.” Beyond that, Municipal District funding was used for kerbs and drainage and kitting out the meeting rooms.

Castlerahan provides a large hall with seating, stage and a projector. HipHop dance classes, birthday parties, local family gatherings and religious meetings all take place in the hall. In addition to that, a remote working hub and meeting rooms can be rented from the community.

Castlerahan also seems to be the right spot for people who enjoy the thrill of chance: “I know it’s not very innovative, but we recently started Bingo on Monday evenings and the hall is always packed,” said Larry. The local link bus from Ballyjamesduff to Castlerahan bringing patrons to Bingo is a welcome addition.

The pitch is well used among various groups, Larry McGinn confirmed: “Ballyjamesduff Celtic and AFC play soccer here, Virginia College avail of the pitch and so do Castlarahan GAA.” The new dressing rooms certainly had added to the attractivity and usability of the facilities.

Thanking the MD for the support, the Chair acknowledged: “For small rural communities it is so important to have access to facilities like these. If they are there, they will be used.”