Laois Offaly communities to benefit from Barn Dance fundraiser
Community projects and schools in Portarlington and Laois Offaly hinterland to be supported
A wind energy company operating around Portarlington its hinterland has announced its support for a summer Barn Dance that will help local community groups and schools.
In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live Cushina Wind Farm announced it would donate €2,500 as the main sponsor of an upcoming Barn Dance fundraiser in the Walsh Island and Cushina area.
Taking place on Saturday, June 20 in Eneghan, Walsh Island, the dance will support five Laois Offaly-based: Embrace Farm, Lourdes Portarlington, Bracknagh NS, Walsh Island NS, and Clonbullogue Gym.
The organisers say the fundraiser promises to be a night of fun, packed with entertainment, including live music, a barbeque, raffle, and an auction for a Charolais Heifer or €1,500. The night is sponsored by Portarlington Credit Union, DBS Group, and Rachel Gorry with Cushina Wind Farm being the main sponsor.
This is the second sponsorship that the Cushina Wind Farm has been involved in locally, having previously donated €2,000 towards the 2026 Portarlington Tractor Run in aid of full educational assessments for local children.
Cushina Wind Farm is described as a proposed wind energy development by integrated renewable energy and sustainability services provider, Galetech Group. The 79 megawatt (MW) project is planned to hold 11 wind turbines. It is claimed that this is enough energy to power 85,700 homes and save over 50,000 tonnes of C02 each year.
If the development goes ahead, the green energy business has committed up to €460,000 each year to local groups and organisations through a dedicated community benefit fund.
Deirdre Keegan is Galetach Group Community Liaison Officer.
“Galetech Group is incredibly proud to be main sponsor of the Barn Dance fundraiser in Walsh Island. The event will raise much-needed funds for local schools, groups and charities. Community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to support local initiatives that bring people together, celebrate rural life, and make a meaningful difference.
“We are looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with the locals in the Cushina area and look forward to the night of festivities in June," he said.
The launch was attended by Deirdre Keegan, Galetech Group Community Liaison Officer; Marie Fitzpatrick, Event Organiser, James Carville, Galetech Group Project Manager; Steven Drury, Cushina Project Development Manager; and Sean Weldon, Event Organiser.
The Barn Dance event will take place from 7pm on Saturday, June 20 in Eneghan, Walsh Island (Eircode: R35 HC58). Admission will cost €25. For more information about the event, please contact: 083 004 6454.