New community hall to be constructed in Offaly village
Fundraising begins with major draw in aid of development
IF communities were measured by population alone, Ballyboy might be easy to overlook. But anyone who has spent time in this small village just 1km east of Kilcormac knows that Ballyboy has never measured itself that way.
For generations, Ballyboy has been defined not by size, but by its people – an indomitable community spirit, neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers giving their time, and a shared belief that when a community works together there is very little it cannot achieve.
Today, that spirit continues through the work of Ballyboy Community Development and Tidy Towns Association, a voluntary committee that has become the driving force behind community activity, village enhancement, fundraising initiatives, and one ambitious long-term vision: the creation of a new community hall that will serve Ballyboy for generations to come.
The jewel in the crown of Ballyboy is Dan & Molly’s pub – run by proprietor Molly Boland. It has been in her family for over 90 years (previously run by her mother Catherine Ryan - née Lynch), and is now run by her daughter Catríona, and Catríona’s husband Fergal McDonald. It serves as the main focal and meeting point in the village and hosts Ballyboy Comhaltas music classes and sessions, set dancing, card games, and general community events.
The village was also the site of an old dance hall – originally built in 1954 by the Young Farmers Association, it was badly damaged by a fire in 1967 and remained derelict until its demolition in January 2024.
Over recent years, Ballyboy Community Development and Tidy Towns has developed a reputation for organising events that are memorable, family-focused, and rooted in inclusion.
These events were not simply fundraisers, they have created opportunities for people of all ages to work together, but also give back to the community, including local charities.
In 2022 Ballyboy Community Development introduced what was believed to be the first community Dyno Day of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a Dyno measures tractor horsepower - but what emerged became much more than machinery. The committee embraced the challenge, with volunteers researching what would be involved, seeking advice, securing sponsorship, and transforming an ordinary farm shed into a professional event venue complete with entertainment, trade displays, food areas, family activities, and attractions.
The result exceeded expectations with Dyno Day returning bigger and better the following year, incorporating additional attractions and drawing visitors from far beyond the local area.
But perhaps the most important aspect of the event was what happened afterwards. Proceeds from fundraising initiatives have supported a range of worthy causes including local families, disability supports, children’s charities, counselling and mental health services, and farming support organisations.
Whether helping send an athlete to international competition, supporting children’s healthcare initiatives, raising funds for local families facing challenges, or supporting organisations promoting wellbeing and mental health, Ballyboy has consistently tried to ensure community success benefits others too.
That commitment to giving back remains central to the group’s identity.
As successful as these events have been, Ballyboy Community Development has always been clear that fundraising alone was never the end goal.
The ambition has always been bigger. Several years ago, the committee undertook community consultation to understand what local people wanted for Ballyboy’s future. The response was clear - people wanted a permanent community facility - a place that belonged to Ballyboy.
They wanted somewhere for meetings, music, classes, celebrations, local enterprise, wellness activities, visitors, family occasions, youth activities, and opportunities that currently have to be outsourced elsewhere.
From that consultation emerged the vision to construct a new Community Hall on the site of the former derelict dance hall.
Since then, significant work has taken place behind the scenes. Planning permission has been secured. Infrastructure works have progressed. Phase 1 has delivered a new car park and associated enabling works including footpaths, drainage improvements and undergrounding of services. At times progress has been slower than hoped, with numerous funding pathways being followed, and considerable engagement with public representatives and agencies to understand how best to position the project for success.
But throughout that process, the committee has remained committed to being realistic, transparent, and determined. The aim remains to create a modern community facility that will become the beating heart of Ballyboy for future generations.
A place where children can participate in activities close to home, where older residents can gather, and where local groups can flourish. That future is worth building.
The Next Step – Ballyboy’s First Ever Golf Classic
Ballyboy Community Development is now inviting the wider community to support its next major fundraiser — the inaugural Ballyboy Golf Classic.
The event will take place at Birr Golf Club on Friday, 14 August and promises to be a fantastic day of fun and enjoyment for all.
Golfers (of any ability) are invited to enter teams of four, with tee times running from 8am through to 4pm.
Entry is €200 per team and participants can look forward to a complimentary burger stop on the ninth hole.
The event is being coordinated by Paddy Buckley with support from the wider committee and volunteers.
But participation extends far beyond golfers. Businesses and supporters can sponsor a hole for €100, with company name and logo displayed on the course and across promotional material for the event.
Alongside the Golf Classic, Ballyboy will host a Monster Card Raffle with an outstanding top prize of €1,000 cash.
Raffle tickets will be available locally and through committee members, Ballyboy CCÉ, and Dan and Molly’s.
The committee is encouraging everyone to get involved in whatever way they can — enter a team, sponsor a hole, buy raffle tickets, make a donation, or simply come along and support.
As with everything Ballyboy Community Development undertakes, this event is about much more than fundraising.
It is about bringing people together.
A Community Worth Investing In
Looking back over recent years, Ballyboy Community Development and Tidy Towns has demonstrated what can happen when a small community believes in itself.
Award recognition, village improvements, major events, charitable support, and progress towards a permanent community facility have all been achieved through volunteer effort and collective commitment.
There is still work to do but if Ballyboy’s story tells us anything, it is that communities do not need to be large to achieve big things.
To support the Ballyboy Golf Classic, sponsor a hole, purchase raffle tickets, or learn more about the Community Hall project, members of the committee would be delighted to hear from you.
Tee Times and information available from:
Paddy Buckley 087 6772303
Thomas Fox 087 9911660
Michael Buckley 087 7814256