This article is from page 36 of the 2007-06-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
SPANISH Point got a new meet- ing point last week as local people celebrated the official opening of a much-awaited community hall for the area.
The one-storey structure, based at Christ Church (Church of Ireland) in the town, was blessed by both Catholic Bishop Dr Willie Walsh and Church of Ireland Bishop Michael Mayes in a ceremony last Wednes- day.
Rector Bob Hanna led the service to open the hall, which cost €30,000 to build and has been open since January.
Committee member of The Christ Church Community Project, Vicky Lynch, said that the hall was the re- sult of three years of fundraising.
“Eight of us got together to form a committee and we organised annual barbeques in the Armada Hotel for the last two years, raising around €12,000. Johnny Burke was bDril- liant in helping us with organisation and finances. His daughter, June, is now on the committee since he sadly passed away. Bernadette Queally was great too. Everyone made a big effort.”
The centre will be called “The Johnny Burke Community Hall’ in honour of the local businessman and
his wife Claire cut the ribbon to open the hall on the day as well as giving a “beautiful speech”.
Committee chairwoman Judith Ironside said that everyone was very pleased that the project had brought the community closer together.
‘Various community groups are us- ing the hall including the COI Sun- day School, a Grief and Loss Sup- port Group, Caring for Carers and a Mother and Toddler Group, which was our aim. We are lucky that there is a marvellous relationship between the Church of Ireland and the Catho- lic congregations in Miltown. They have done so much to help us.”
Ms Lynch added: “The barbeques
attract a huge crowd and have re- ally captured the imagination. Years ago there would have been more big community events so they’re like a blast from the past. We are at the half way mark with funds so we will keep working on the project. The next bar- beque is on August 12.”