Community pride shines in Offaly as new walking track officially opens

As the dusk fell over Killurin on a bright evening last week, members of the local community watched with pride as Ethel Keenahan, founder of Killurin Community Alert and Development Group, cut the ribbon on Killurin’s Community Walking Track. In perfect timing, the track's solar lighting illuminated the walkway as Ethel thanked everyone for their contributions.

The project began in 2021 and grew from the community’s wish for a safe place to walk off the main road, where traffic poses a major concern. It soon became KCAD’s biggest undertaking to date, requiring everything from local fundraising and business support to funding applications, planning permission, and design work before finally becoming a reality in 2023, with solar lighting added in January 2025. The track is freely open to all who wish to use it.

The significance of the project was also underlined by Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, who attended the event and addressed the crowd. He remarked that for Killurin, a close-knit area of a few hundred people, the GAA grounds serve as the social hub of the community – making it the ideal location for a public walking track that will serve many generations to come.

Fr. John Stapleton blessed the walking track at the opening ceremony, which also included the unveiling of a special appreciation sign designed and created by local resident Triona Mahon.

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KCAD Chairperson Eileen Dunne told those gathered that the project was made possible through the generosity of local people and businesses, alongside vital funding support, saying: “We were extremely fortunate to receive support from LEADER, approved by Offaly Local Community Development Committee, as well as Local Enhancement Funding and Municipal District Funding approved by Tullamore District elected members.” Dunne went on to thank Cormac Mahon, who assisted KCAD in securing LEADER funding for the walking track. She also expressed her gratitude to John Troy, who was present on the evening, for his support in securing LEADER funding for the solar lighting. Both represented Offaly Local Development Company. She also gave particular recognition to Cllr John Leahy for his valued support and presence on the evening.

Tullamore Municipal District members Cllr Ollie Bryant, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cllr Shane Murray, and Cllr Neil Feighery were also in attendance and acknowledged for their support.

Tullamore Credit Union was also recognised for its community support. Their funding contributed to the walking track and also helps KCAD maintain Killurin’s three publicly available defibrillators.

The success of the project, Dunne said, reflected the collective strength of a small community. Despite KCAD being a voluntary group of just eight members, the project was delivered thanks to wide cooperation and goodwill. Killurin GAA Field Committee and Trustees including the late Bill Daly and the late Seán Kinnarney were commended for their openness and dedication to improving local amenities.

Further thanks went to local residents Tim Meehan, for planning guidance, Kieran Keenahan, for maintaining the community flower beds, and Joe Campbell, always ready to lend a hand.

On the evening, anonymous testimonials were read aloud, praising the track’s safety, accessibility, and popularity across all ages. As Dunne concluded: “The testimonials capture exactly what we hoped to achieve – a space that brings our community together while keeping everyone safe and active. Tonight, we should all be proud of what we can accomplish when we work together as a community.”

KCAD formed in 2021 as an extension of the existing Killurin Community Alert (2014) and now has eight voluntary members including Siobhain Arnold (Treasurer), Karen O'Hanlon Cohrt (Secretary), Ciara Kinnarney, Marisa Seery, Eoin and Nuala Carton, Ethel Keenahan (Founder and PRO), and Eileen Dunne (Chairperson). The group continues to serve the local community, with current projects focusing on traffic safety in collaboration with local representatives and An Garda Síochána. KCAD also hosts annual Christmas and Halloween parties, which are much-loved events for local families.

Written by Karen O’Hanlon 

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