Sporting heroes from Limerick village put building blocks in place for fundraiser
PLANS for a community centre in Patrickswell have received a big boost as four of the village’s top sports stars have rowed in behind the initiative.
Hurler of the year Diarmaid Byrnes joined fellow Celtic Cross medallists Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch, plus Munster and Ireland rugby star Conor Murray in relaunching its Buy a Brick fundraising drive to put the final blocks in place on the facility.
In July, Patrickswell Community Council kicked off the building of a much-needed community resource centre.
It has already received significant funding including €500,000 from government, €430,000 through Limerick City and County Council and €250,000 from the JP McManus Benevolent Fund.
There is a shortfall, and as a result of this, the community council has relaunched its Build a Brick campaign, whereby people can purchase a block for €300 – payable either in full or by monthly direct debit – which will then be displayed in the community centre once it’s complete.
Those who buy a brick can include a message or a dedication to a loved one.
Hurlers Cian and Aaron have dedicated their bricks to their families, while Diarmaid has also devoted his brick to remember his late brother Ciaran, and honour his family.
Conor, meanwhile, has chosen to dedicate his brick to his late aunt and godmother Lily.
So far, Patrickswell Community Council has received around €15,000 of donations under this fundraiser.
For more information and to buy a brick, please visit patrickswellcrc.ie or telephone Teresa on 061-320303.
Patrickswell Community Council chairperson Michael McSweeney said: “To have four sports stars who are not only known across Ireland but across the world relaunching our Buy a Brick campaign is absolutely amazing and we will be forever grateful to the lads for their support with this project”
“The people of Patrickswell have waited for many years to see this day and I do believe that this is only the beginning of delivering much needed facilities for our community,” he added.
The new Patrickswell Community Resource Centre will be set on a site in excess of four acres which will allow for the development of further community facilities into the future.