Large crowd attends official opening of Lorrha Community Shop
Scéal is about ‘putting soul into your community’
A LARGE crowd attended the official opening of Lorrha's Community Shop on Sunday afternoon.
The village's community hall has been extended to provide an improved shop and tea room, showcasing the best of local food, arts and crafts. It is a shining example of local community spirit.
Grant funding for the project came from the Government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme, as well as generous donations from the ‘Buy a Brick’ local fundraiser.
Former Chairman of Scéal David Broderick said the opening of the extension was “a hugely important event for the village and the parish." He said the idea of a community shop emerged following the closure of Maher's shop. “Denis and Lil kindly offered the use of the building to the Lorrha and Dorrha Historical Society, but after public consultation it was decided that the Village Hall would be a more suitable space as it was also at risk of closure. It was clear that the community greatly valued the idea of having a local shop once again.
“Our newly formed Scéal group began the long journey that has now come to fruition. While much work was carried out in the early stages by dedicated volunteers, it must be recognised that the most challenging phase came in recent years. The complexities of paperwork, funding, and red tape presented significant hurdles, all of which were overcome by Pat Cahalan and the current committee.”
David said the first task when he was Chair was to install good road signage for drivers in the region so they would be aware of the village's presence. “The need for signage was highlighted on national radio when RTE reporter Cian McCormack got lost while trying to cycle to the village!”
He pointed out that from the outset their vision for Scéal was to create a space for people to come together, “first and foremost for our own community, but also as a welcoming place for visitors. We wanted somewhere tourists could stop, access facilities, and learn about the rich history and heritage our parish has to offer.”
David thanked Mary Fogarty and the team at Loughmore Cottage for being “a tremendous support to us from the beginning. What they had achieved in Loughmore inspired us greatly, and while we may not have fully believed it at the time, we too would go on to inspire other community groups.”
David also acknowledged the unsung heroes of the project, namely the dedicated women who are the heartbeat of the community shop and crucial to its survival. “They do not seek recognition, do not step forward for praise, nor volunteer for photographs. Yet, day after day, they generously volunteer their time to ensure the doors remain open.”
Another former Chair of Scéal, James Heenan, said it was a pleasure to be present at the official opening of the Scéal Community Shop and Tea Room. He talked about the years of behind the scenes voluntary work, grit, teamwork and a level of patience that usually qualifies a person for sainthood! “I think St Ruadhán better watch out; he may have some local contenders!”
James said St Ruadhán's Community Hall was built in 1994. He praised the original committee of 1994. He recognised Brian Haslam who provided the site for the Hall. “It was an era of calf-rearing, endless auctions, and enough raffle tickets sold to wallpaper every house in the parish.” He praised the Lorrha Variety Group, “the financial backbone of the hall, ensuring its upkeep.”
Fast forward to 2015. The economic downturn had been a difficult time for Lorrha, “yet the closure of Maher's shop sparked a determination to be resilient and find a solution. A public meeting drew a huge turnout and Scéal was born.”
Pat Cahalan, the current Chair of Scéal, said they were grateful to Deputy Michael Lowry for being helpful in getting a Town and Village Renewal grant for €249,000 for the extension of the Hall. He said the extension had been beautifully designed by Derek Coulter. Pat said the fundraising continues to clear the current debt in the form of Buy a Brick (donations can be made online).
Deputy Lowry said this was a “special day for the people of Lorrha, a story of commitment and dedication and success. It is fantastic to see communities like this standing up and saying we will take our future into our own hands.”
Deputy Ryan O'Meara said the sod was turned on the extension just over two years ago and it was great to see it now in its beautiful, impressive state. He said today was about “community, volunteerism and an incredible achievement.” Rural Ireland's story has been a depressing story of the loss of facilities such as pubs, post offices and shops “but many are standing up and pushing back against this."
Senator Anne Rabbitte said Cllr Michael O'Meara years ago asked her to take part in the quest for government funds.
Cllr John Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, said Tipperary Leader played an important part in the project.
Cllr Phyll Bugler, Cathaoirleach of Nenagh MD, said the shop also stocks Cllr Michael O'Meara's “lovely honey!” She said Scéal was not just about four walls and a roof. “It's about putting soul into your community.”