RIP: Remembering Niamh Kinnane - The heart and vision of Upperchurch Drombane

The welcome sign over the bar in Paddy Kinnane's Pub and Restaurant says it all: There are no strangers here, only friends who haven't met. That saying truly reflected Niamh Kinnane.

She loved a good chat, took a genuine interest in people, and had a way of making everyone feel at home from the moment they walked in.

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Niamh remained an active and committed member of the Upperchurch Drombane and District Development Association up to her passing in January.

For more than 40 years, she carried out the role of secretary with dedication and care, always working to improve and support the Upperchurch Drombane community. Alongside her fellow committee members, she helped drive many important community initiatives.

Under the umbrella of the Upperchurch Drombane and District Development Association, a wide range of projects were undertaken and developed, with Niamh playing an instrumental role in their planning and in securing funding. One of the most significant of these was Upperchurch Childcare Centre, the first community childcare facility in the locality. 

Niamh has sat on the Board of Directors of Upperchurch Childcare Centre since its inception and has worked tirelessly, along with others over the years to bring it to where it is today.

Niamh was always generous with her time, wisdom and energy. She was committed to the creche and to her community. She had vision and foresight which will benefit families in our parish and surrounding areas for many years to come.

The purchase of the former Dispensary, located opposite Kinanes Bar and now home to the Visitor Information Point, proved to be a vital development for the village of Upperchurch.

The centre quickly became the hub of operations, enabling Niamh to stay closely connected to local activity while coordinating events and assisting visitors exploring the area. She was always happy to share her extensive local knowledge.

Niamh also played a key role in establishing and securing funding for a network of walking trails throughout the parish. A natural outcome of this work was the creation of the Walking Festival, which brought a buzz of activity to the local area.

Families and seasoned walkers alike took to the hills of Upperchurch and Drombane, enjoying both the routes and the renowned hospitality, with each day of the festival concluding with a warm meal.

The climbing wall originated from the strong interest in mountaineering within the local area.

Once again, Niamh's expertise in sourcing funding, combined with her determination and vision, led to the successful completion of another project that benefited both the local community and surrounding areas.

As needs evolved over time, the premises took on a new purpose and now houses the local Community Exercise Hub. Niamh was consistently supportive of new ideas and initiatives coming to the area and was always generous with her advice on securing funding, for which we will be forever grateful.

The development of Independent Living Accommodation in the villages of Upperchurch and Drombane was yet another example of Niamh's commitment to keeping community at the heart of village life and ensuring that people were supported and never isolated.

Niamh was always delighted to attend events that allowed her to promote the local area and personally encourage others to explore the beautiful hills of Upperchurch and Drombane.

This was clearly demonstrated in 2014 when, alongside fellow committee members, she travelled to Trim to receive an award following a nomination by the local council for village renewal and development. 

More recently, along with her sister Siobhán she was again recognised by the local council at a function in Templemore for the warmth and hospitality she showed to everyone who crossed her door.

Niamh's passing will be deeply felt by all within the parish-by those who worked with her on numerous committees and by the many who called to her home for a chat and a song.

Niamh always extended a "Céad Mile Filte "and took great pleasure in sharing the history of her beloved parish of Upperchurch Drombane.

We thank Niamh sincerely for her hard work and dedication over the years and acknowledge the significant impact she has made.

Her love for our parish was truly inspirational, Upperchurch Drombane and District and Development Association are proud to continue her legacy by working to bring further projects and events to our community.

"Ar Scáth a Chéile a mhaireann na daoine "

We extend our sympathies to her sister Siobhan, nephew Fergal and his wife Evan and her cherished grandniece and grandnephew Maisie and Andy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

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