This article is from page 26 of the 2007-10-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
THE increasing population in New- market-on-Fergus is reflected in the erowing number of clubs and organi- sations set up in the village.
Several new housing estates have been built in the area, three of which have just been completed over the past year. These homes are occupied by a mixture of locals, people from outside the area and visitor from overseas.
With this in mind, local community eroup, Obair gathered local groups together, for a community day last Sunday.
Among the groups in the area in- clude Meals-on-Wheels, the Going Strong club, Women’s group, Com-
munity Games, soccer, GAA, Agri- culture society, the Scouts, Tradaree Bridge Club and handball and bas- ketball clubs.
The aim of the event was to provide information on the clubs and to pro- mote the work they are undertaking, whilst encouraging residents to get involved in the local community. It coincided with National Volunteer Day and each group was invited to provide informative displays of their AYOLU AALS (oie
Organiser Aisling Halpin of Obair said the idea was centered around in- clusion for everybody.
“A lot of new people are coming into the area. Some are foreign na- tionals, while others have moved from locations like Shannon and
Ennis. We held a volunteer day last January. A lot of the clubs in the area found it very beneficial. The hadn’t known what other clubs were in the area. We decided then we would have a similar event in September,” said Ms Halpin.
“There is a lot going on, but new people wouldn’t know what is hap- pening. People can meet new friends and get to know local people in the community, through the clubs,” she added.
Obair now plans to compile a bro- chure, featuring information on all of the local clubs in the area, which will make them easily accessible.
Sunday also saw the defibrillator for the local community being launched. The success of this is dependent on
the community’s involvement.
Fifteen locals have got involved in this and others are being asked to put their names in.
“A committee got together and talked about getting a defibrillator for the area. There was a need for it and Obair sponsored it. There are 15 on the committee and they have been doing training so that they can give assistance,’ said Ms Halpin.
“We will need between 30 and 40 people, so that someone can be on call 24/7,” she added.