National Volunteer Week marked with community celebration in Offaly rural area
As part of National Volunteer Week 2026, Pullough Residents Development Association, a network of thirteen community groups in the area, hosted a Celebration of Volunteers evening in their local Community Centre which attracted a large number of supporters and well wisher
As part of National Volunteer Week 2026, Pullough Residents Development Association, a network of thirteen community groups in the area, hosted a Celebration of Volunteers evening in their local Community Centre which attracted a large number of supporters and well wishers.
All groups and volunteers received certificates of achievements and goodie bags recognising the good work, dedication and commitment shown throughout the last few years in reviving and enhancing the small rural West Offaly village.
As part of the evening, a Review Document of the Pullough Plan 22-26 was launched with the achievements identified and outstanding actions prioritised to be completed over the next period of time with help from the many support bodies and funding from grants and from Tullamore Credit Union.
Speakers on the night included Catherine Dunne from the Tus and RSS Schemes, George Digan from BLC and Francis Walsh from OVC, all speaking about their supports which has helped and will continue to help individuals, groups and the village overall.
Declan Costelloe, Community Development Worker with OLDC acknowledged the great mechanism in place through the PRDA which allows local groups and leaders come together to achieve common goals all to the betterment of the village.
The Guest Speaker on the night was local councillor John Leahy who was ending his reign as Cathaoirleach of the local authority. John spoke about how volunteers are the heartbeat of communities and noted that it is a commitment but is very rewarding to those involved and praised the good work of the locals over the past number of years.
Councillors John Leahy and Hughie Egan committed on the evening to assist and support the local groups and leaders to prioritise better signage in the village and greenway, improve paths, lighting and works on the bridge, explore more council housing locally and to follow through with the promised slipway on the canal for kayaking.
Local man and MC, Eamon Dunican spoke passionately about how the groups and leaders have taken ownership of The Pullough Plan and have successfully achieved most of their goals and ambitions and plan to continue to prioritise the next steps in keeping Pullough active and attractive to live, visit and be proud of.