AGM: Community centre in Offaly reflects on a busy year and outlines new activities for 2026

Killeigh Community Centre Committee (KCCDA) recently held its AGM, bringing together the committee, the Board of Directors and members of the local community to look back on what’s been a busy year for the centre and to outline plans for 2026.

The meeting opened with KCCDA Secretary, Marianne Curling reading the minutes of the last AGM, held on the 25 September 2024.

Before starting the main business of the night, Deirdre Fox, Manager of the Offaly Volunteers Centre delivered an engaging presentation on the value of volunteering in your local community. She highlighted both the personal and community benefits to volunteering and outlined the supports available through Offaly Volunteer Centre for voluntary organisations and potential volunteers. For more information, see www.volunteeroffaly.ie

Chairperson Úna McCafferkey provided an overview of the sub-committees within KCCDA and acknowledged all that hard work that each member has put in over the past year or so. Ciaran Dunne (building sub-committee) then followed with a detailed overview of the development works which have completed at the centre. Phase 1, completed by Allen Kenny Construction Ltd., saw the redevelopment of the former Macra Hall with the centre opening in April 2024. Phase 2, which was completed by Tower Plant & Civil Engineering in November 2025, saw development of the adjoining lands to the west of the centre and the front.

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Ciaran explained that a restricted tendering process was completed under the direction of the committee’s design team. This was led by Conor Finnegan of MCOH Architects, who was in attendance on the night.

Once appointed, Tower commenced works in August 2025 and despite weather delays, completed the project by late October with lighting and bollards added in November. Ciaran praised the high standard of work and on behalf of the committee, noted their appreciation to Tower, for going above and beyond and providing such fantastic facilities.

The front area of the centre has now been transformed into a dual purpose market space and car park, which can be closed to traffic during markets and outdoor events to create a safe pedestrianised area. Ciaran concluded his presentation with future projects the committee have planned including, a permanent storage area to the rear and additional energy efficiency measures to the building.

Patricia Nunan of the fundraising sub-committee highlighted a busy year of events, stating that now the car parking provision has increased, more activities can take place at the centre. She outlined activities hosted by KCCDA including the Halloween kids disco which was very popular, with both young and old putting great effort into their costumes.

On December 6, the centre hosted the Volunteer Recognition Event organised by the Offaly Volunteer Centre with Patricia thanking the volunteers who assisted on the day. The event received extremely positive feedback, with Deirdre Fox noting on the night, that the centre is already booked for their next event later this year.

Rounding off a busy year, the sub-committee were delighted to see all their hard work rewarded, when the centre became a hive of activity on Sunday, December 14, for the first Christmas Market. With over 35 local craft and food stalls to choose from, the event was a real success and showcased the full potential of the community centre. Patricia concluded her presentation with the exciting news that bingo will soon become a weekly event at the centre. Working alongside local GAA Club, Clodiagh Gaels, the two groups are busy with their preparations and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Treasurer, Maria Bannon presented a comprehensive financial report noting that the final accounts were presented to the Board of Directors in September 2025. Maria outlined the funding of the Phase 2 noting that these works were funded from the Department of Rural and Community Development (TVR grant) and Offaly County Council; KCCDA funds; and a loan from Clann Credo who are a community loan finance provider.

Looking ahead, Maria provided a detailed financial projection advising the monthly loan repayments would commence shortly. Concluding her report, Maria noted that priorities for the year ahead include sustainable fundraising; weekly bingo in partnership with Clodiagh Gaels; ongoing review of overheads; strategic and planned grant applications; a building maintenance fund in place; and establishing a sinking fund for future repairs.

On behalf of the Operations Sub-Committee, Chairperson Úna Mc Cafferkey provided a summary of the large amount of administration and duties that are involved in the day-to-day running of the community centre. She acknowledged the work of the volunteers in this group and advised that in the near future, the centre will require an employed Centre Manager to keep the centre running efficiently as it gets busier and to fully maximise its potential.

In her Chairperson’s report, Úna then reflected on some highlights for the committee since October 2024 including the completion of the development works and the committee being chosen as winners of the Community Involvement Award at the Community & Voluntary Group Awards in November 2025 which was organised by Offaly County Council.

Úna acknowledged the establishment of a funeral group to assist families wishing to use the facilities in the centre and praised the fabulous Christmas tree, which was created by the local crochet group. Many of these talented locals attend the fortnightly coffee morning (hosted by local volunteers Annette Kloeckner and Sandra Elliott).

Looking at the year ahead, Úna outlined the key priorities for KCCDA. They will continue to increase the variety of activities at the centres whilst maximising the use of centre during the daytime noting that with free parking, the centre’s meeting rooms, social room and main hall are ideal for business seminars or training days.

The weekly bingo, in association with Clodiagh Gaels, not only will be an important social activity for the area but will also generate revenue. These funds are needed to maintain the high standards of the centre; and cover costs such as utilities; loan repayments; and; annual premiums.

Úna concluded the meeting by thanking the committee and the wider community for their continued support. Formed in February 2018 with the vision of renovating the once derelict Macra Hall into an accessible, multi-functional space for the surrounding areas, the committee now face the challenge of operating and maintaining a busy and thriving community centre entirely through volunteer effort. She encourages new people to get involved, recognising it’s not easy with work and family demands, but even a couple of hours each month would have a positive impact in the running of the centre and is highly rewarding for the individual.

If you wish to contact Killeigh Community Centre, please email info@killeighcommunitycentre.com or via our website www.killeighcommunitycentre.com.