137-year-old Mayo building revived by community group

There were great celebrations in Errew, near Ballyheane, as the local community committee proudly hosted the official opening of the newly restored community centre on Friday, October 4. 

A large community gathering welcomed Minister of State Alan Dillon to officiate at proceedings together with Senator Lisa Chambers and Castlebar municipal district councillors, all of whom supported this ambitious local rural project. Errew NS principal, teachers past and present and parish priest Fr Conal Eustace were also in attendance, joining the large numbers of local families and past pupils of the former Girls’ NS and Boys’ Errew monastery school.

The centre, built in 1887 and still in use until 2004, had fallen into significant disrepair becoming an eyesore in the village. A group of former pupils and their partners got together at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2021, and over three years worked hard to improve the area. Ownership details were researched and eventually permission was gained for the capital grant application to the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2022. Success led to funding in the region of €200,000 for full building restoration, refurbishment and a small extension.

Joe Mongan Builders brought this fondly recalled building back to life and it is now a bright new focal point for the whole community and NS pupils to use and enjoy.

The main drive for this project was to provide a much-needed before and after-school facility for Errew NS, which is located directly opposite the centre. These services are proving essential for small country schools to survive.

Errew committee members Micheal and Janine Hoban spoke about the project journey and the importance of enhancing community spirit, creating a sense of place and the strong will to keep the long educational history in Errew alive.

Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Cllr Donna Sheridan commended the group on their vision and determination to see the project through. Senator Lisa Chambers said she was delighted to see her grandmother’s former national school brought back into use and acknowledged the hours of hard work that had been put in by the committee members and especially Janine and Micheal Hoban.

Minister Dillon said he visited the building at the very early stages and was delighted to see the transformational project completed to such a high standard. He expressed the hope that the new breakfast and after-school club would serve to future-proof Errew and ensure the survival of Errew NS. Minister Dillon also acknowledged the importance of creating a heartbeat and focal point within local communities.

Errew Community Committee thanked all those near and far who generously donated towards the match funding required to obtain the grant and hope the valued and much-appreciated support will continue.

Errew Community Centre is situated seven kilometres south of Castlebar, opposite Errew National School and adjacent to the historic Errew Monastery, built in 1842 and founded by Irish historian James Hardiman.