Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, turned the sod for the construction to commence on a new 327 square meter community centre in the village of Moneygall in Offaly. This project, with a total cost of just over €2 million, is to receive funding of over €1.8-million from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF). CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO SEE MORE PICTURES Minister Dara Calleary accompanied by Cllr Peter Ormond turning the sod and surrounded by councillors, builders, members of the Moneygall Development Association and Moneygall FC at a new 327 square metre community centre in Moneygall. Photo: Rose Mannion. CCIF provides investment for improvement and refurbishment of community centres, as well as the development of new centres where such a need is identified. Since 2022, over €110 million has been provided for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing centres and for the construction of new facilities where such a need has been identified. Since the fund was established in 2022, over €3.7 million has been allocated to 47 projects in Co. Offaly. The sod turning ceremony was attended by local clergy, schoolchildren from Moneygall and elected representatives from Offaly and Tipperary County Councils. READ NEXT: Should Roscrea's Castle Street be pedestrianised? Among them was North Tipperary TD, Ryan O'Meara; Councillors Michael Smith and Peter Ormond, who were welcomed to Moneygall by Henry Healy from Moneygall Development Association, who also welcomed his eighth cousin, US President Barack Obama and his wife First Lady Michelle Obama during their historic visit to Offaly in 2011. Speaking at the event in Moneygall, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be here today in Moneygall as we turn the sod for construction to start on this wonderful centre. "This new community space will include a multipurpose community hall, a large function hall, a commercial

placeholder image — Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, turned the sod for the construction to commence on a new 327 square meter community centre in the village of Moneygall in Offaly. This project, with a total cost of just over €2 million, is to receive funding of over €1.8-million from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF). CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO SEE MORE PICTURES Minister Dara Calleary accompanied by Cllr Peter Ormond turning the sod and surrounded by councillors, builders, members of the Moneygall Development Association and Moneygall FC at a new 327 square metre community centre in Moneygall. Photo: Rose Mannion. CCIF provides investment for improvement and refurbishment of community centres, as well as the development of new centres where such a need is identified. Since 2022, over €110 million has been provided for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing centres and for the construction of new facilities where such a need has been identified. Since the fund was established in 2022, over €3.7 million has been allocated to 47 projects in Co. Offaly. The sod turning ceremony was attended by local clergy, schoolchildren from Moneygall and elected representatives from Offaly and Tipperary County Councils. READ NEXT: Should Roscrea's Castle Street be pedestrianised? Among them was North Tipperary TD, Ryan O'Meara; Councillors Michael Smith and Peter Ormond, who were welcomed to Moneygall by Henry Healy from Moneygall Development Association, who also welcomed his eighth cousin, US President Barack Obama and his wife First Lady Michelle Obama during their historic visit to Offaly in 2011. Speaking at the event in Moneygall, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be here today in Moneygall as we turn the sod for construction to start on this wonderful centre. "This new community space will include a multipurpose community hall, a large function hall, a commercial

PICTURES: Sod turned on new €2-million community centre in Offaly

Published 16th Jan 2026, 14:33 GMT

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, attended the event

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Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy (pictured left) spoke glowingly about Moneygall Development Association and their work ethic. Photo: Rose Mannion We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

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Henry Healy (pictured right), Treasurer of the Moneygall Development Association, also spoke at the sod turning event held inMoneygall on Thursday last. Photos: Rose Mannion. We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

PICTURES: Sod turned on new €2-million community centre in Offaly

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, attended the event

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