Local community activist, Bernard Kearney, gave the Roscommon People his thoughts on a very busy year for the parish of Kilbride…
It has been a very good year for Kilbride Parish in 2016. Firstly, congratulations to the Kilbride ladies’ football team who won both the league and championship at senior level, and there was also success at underage levels.
2016 was a very busy year for Kilbride Community Centre with various events taking place from major dancing feiseanna, to Roscommon LEADER information events together with the usual weekly events.
The Community Shop has proven to be a big success. It opened two years ago now and is going as strong as ever! Derrane Resource Centre is also busy providing services for various groups, including training.
The Cuan Bhride Childcare Centre has had a busy year, it now caters for over 90 children over four different age levels, including a breakfast club and after-school service, and also provided an extra six childcare places this year.
Meanwhile, Derrane Childcare is operating at full capacity as well, providing a service to that side of the parish.
Both national schools in the parish are full to capacity with numbers rising all the time. Fourmilehouse NS is in the process of adding an extension in early 2017, and it is celebrating 30 years since its opening on January 22nd, 1987.
In April, Fr. Raymond Browne celebrated 30 years in Kilbride Parish and is still going strong, very well assisted by our new Deacon, Seamus Talbot.
There was a celebration for the elderly in the Cuan Mhuire Housing community room on December 4th and a great time was had by all with a meal and entertainment provided.
2017 is going to be a busy year for the parish. Kilbride GAA Club are having a major fundraiser in March. Strictly Come Dancing is to take to the stage in the Kilbride Centre with local celebrities starting training after the festive season; also each participant will be hoping to raise funds for same.
The Senior Citizens’ Party takes place on the 5th of January at 2 pm with a meal and music on the day in the centre.
Kilbride Community Centre will celebrate 20 years in June. A night of celebration will take place in the centre and the following day there will be a sponsored cycle with all funds raised going towards Scoil Bhride’s new extension.
Thanks to all the community groups that contribute so much to the parish, also to the many businesses for their sponsorship throughout the year, to all the participants on the various schemes (Rural Social, Tuas, Solas and CSP programmes) for helping to keep everything going. Thanks also to LEADER, Roscommon County Council and Pobal for their continued support.
The Christmas lights are shining brightly in the parish and we wish a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas to all.
Wishing you all good health and happiness, Bernie Kearney
