Rural Kilkenny community unites as they plan for the future

Mullinavat Matters is an organisation serving the interests of the South Kilkenny village and surrounding areas since the spring of 2022.

The group, which aims to inform and hear from members of the community holds regular public meetings alongside meetings of its committee and sub-committees ranging from a gardening section to a defibrillator group.

Despite only being founded just over a year ago, the community initiative has proved very popular and effective in the area. Hearing about and highlighting local issues and sharing information via traditional and social media channels.

"When Mullinavat Matters was initially set up it was to work on our community and parish. We all love where we live but we could see it needed work," Chairperson of Mullinavat Matters, Sarah Dermody said.

As rural Ireland continues in its ongoing battle to stay afloat, the group has championed community, creating a bond between the numerous clubs and societies in the village, binding them together socially and offering a support base that can help secure vital funding for local organisations.

"People are now taking us more seriously. We may need more structures in the future, adding, growing in scale may be necessary to secure greater levels of funding to develop Mullinavat.

"It’s public knowledge that our infrastructure in Mullinavat is lacking at the moment," stating, despite not holding 'powers', the group can signpost issues to the relevant authorities so 'it’s important to have community backing', Ms Dermody concluded.

The group held a public meeting last week and is encouraging locals in the area to take part.