Derelict building transformed into vibrant hub to serve Limerick community
Boost for community on Limerick’s northside
THE EFFORTS of an army of volunteers in transforming a derelict building into a new vibrant hub have been celebrated.
Up until three years ago, Ballynanty Hall was out of use – but then Linda Ledger, the chief executive of St Munchin’s Community Centre in neighbouring Kileely was approached to take on the building.
And the rest is history, with a unit once a temporary church for St Leilia’s, and home to a garda youth diversion project, now playing host to dozens of activities in the community.
Known as the St Munchin’s Sports and Social Hub, the facility welcomes soccer clubs, Irish dancing groups, yoga and gym classes, plus youth clubs – and even hosted a darts tournament last weekend.
It’s the third building opened by staff at St Munchin’s, following in the footsteps of the original complex, the enterprise centre, which marked 20 years in business last year, and the former St Lelia’s school.
Outgoing Limerick City and County Council priomh-chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery cut the ribbon at the official opening of the centre, while a Mass was celebrated by Canon Donal McNamara as a nod to the buildings’ past use.
Blue balloons reflecting the distinctive colours of Ballynanty Rovers were also proudly on display.
Linda said: “Today’s a celebration of everybody being on board, everybody being together. It's about the community and showing them their ideas are brilliant, and that we can’t do it without them.”
She praised the efforts of people in the community lending their time, adding: “Nationally, people say volunteerism is dead. Come to St Munchin’s – it is not. The amount of volunteerism we have is massive. We have over 60 volunteers.”
As for the future of the facility, it’s hoped to convert part of the car park outside into a running track, subject to getting grants.