WATCH: Community group named Limerick Persons of the Month

A COMMUNITY group dedicated to improving the lives of locals in the area have been named the Limerick Persons of the Month.

Croom Community Development Association accepted the award at a special presentation at the Clayton Hotel in Limerick city.

Since 1988 the association has worked in the town and its surrounding area to encourage and support the development of Croom.

The group created the community hall as well as Croom Sports Centre which is the home to a number of clubs.

They were also instrumental in the development of the Well Meadow into the much loved Croom Town Park.

Speaking at the presentation, David Hurley, chair of the group said the award was for everyone involved in the organisation.

“It is a wonderful acknowledgement of what we do as a community association and the strives that we have made to encourage the people of Croom to come together.

“It is an acknowledgement of the efforts and the community spirit that exists. It is an honour to be here to accept the award but it is for everyone who helps the association whether that is through volunteering, working or taking part in fundraising.”

The group was also heavily involved in the creation of the Civic Centre and Riverside Restaurant.

Working with various agencies, Croom Community Development Association was the catalyst for Croom Community Enterprise Centre, which offers work space, offices and meeting rooms in the centre of Croom.

The centre is the home of the Croom Community Enterprise Scheme which offers employment and training for long term unemployed to re-enter the workforce.

The programme allows the trainee to enhance and develop technical and personal skills which can be utilised in the workplace.

The organisation is vital to the development of the town and plays a role in many initiatives in the community.

Patricia Murphy, CEO of the association spoke of the work the organisation does with various groups in the community.

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“We work with them to ensure that everybody has the best opportunities for working, living and life in general in Croom. We do a lot of work with organisations such as Tidy Towns and Active Retirement.

“We put on various different activities as well for people in Croom whether that is children, elderly people or family events. All sorts of things!”

Mr Hurley said the association is busy planning a number of events for the locality over the next few weeks and months.

“There is always things going on. The community hall is a hub of activity any night of the week. We have a run on St Patrick's Day, Easter egg hunt, race night and car boot sales coming up. You name it, we are doing it!”

The Limerick Person of the Month award is sponsored by the Limerick Leader, media agency Southern, and the Clayton Hotel.