Swap shop in Cnoc Fola proves so successful it will run all-year-round

The uniform swap shop in the community centre in Cnoc Fola is proving to be such a success that organisers have decided to continue it all-year-round.  

Earlier this week, parents left new football boots, shoes, new shirts which were still in packaging, coats, football jerseys and many other items of clothing at the community centre. 

Beidh daoine ábalta ticéid a cheannach do chluichí CLG trí mheán na Gaeilge

"Tá muid ag tabhairt rogha do dhaoine a gcuid ticéad a cheannach agus iad ag baint leasa as rogha Ghaeilge, rud atá an-tábhachtach do go leor dár gcuid lucht leanta"

The organisers of the event, Treasa Gallagher said that parents are coming in at all times leaving uniforms and taking new ones. 

“It is a great concept in terms of sustainability and recycling and since we see that there is such a demand we are going to run it all-year-round. Parents approached me and asked if we would do it. We agreed immediately. We decided to also add sports gear and football boots to the list of what parents can leave in and it has been really warmly received,” she said speaking in Irish. 

She said that children grow out of clothes so quickly and uniforms and gear are so costly that those in the area have really taken to the concept. 

“Children and teenagers often lose their jumpers and sports gear as well so we have decided to run this out all year so that parents can replace these lost items without it having to be a costly and unexpected expenditure. We will run it from the small office here in ionad Chnoc Fola,” she said. 

An gníomhaí aitheanta Gaeilge, Tomás Ó Monacháin, ar shlí na fírinne

Fear léannta, ach gan mórtas a bhí ann, agus roinn sé a chuid eolais go fial. Chuidigh sé leis an iliomad scoláire agus daoine fásta a tháinig chuige agus iad i mbun staidéar acadúil ar stair na Gaeilge i gCúige Uladh agus ar ábhair eile.

The Campa Samhraidh is running at the moment and the community centre is a hive of activity with children enjoying games in the centre - the camp also means that parents can check out the uniform rails to see what they need. The two events running at the same time have worked really well for Coiste Forbartha Chnoc Fola.

“Those who are coming in said that this is really benefiting the community so we know it is working,” she said.