The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
THE newly elected Ballynacally Development Association’s primary objective for 2013 is to refurbish the community centre, which has been unused for the last two years. With this in mind, Sharon Shannon will perform at in a fundraising concert in Ballycorick Church on July 21 at 8pm.
The centre is a much-needed amenity in the community for organisations including the GAA, ICA and national school, as currently there are no facilities locally for meetings, concerts, winter training, fitness classes or school events.
The cost of the project will be €100,000 and works to be carried out will include the restoration of the lime rendering of the old school, new meeting rooms, roof leaks and floor damage repairs, windows replaced and upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms.
The group has to raise €25,000 in order to avail of Leader (CLDC) grant aid for the project.
“Since January, we have had five fundraising events, including a sale of work, a 4km fun run, a St Patrick’s Day tractor run, a clothes recycling project and a GAA organised pub quiz, which have raised €9,000 so far,” Ballynacally Development Association treasurer, John Curtin explained.
“We are delighted that Sharon Shannon will play a special one-off concert in Ballycorick Church. Joined by Alan Connor, a multi-instrumentalist, who will accompany Sharon, the concert is in aid of the initiative to re-open our community centre,” he added.
“Sharon, who has achieved worldwide fame and is renowned globally, is honoured to be asked to play in the village in which her mother Mary [Garry] of Burren, Ballynacally grew up,” Mr Curtin noted.
The church has a capacity of 400 and tickets are on sale from Joe Kelly’s, Clondegad; Drumquin Tavern, Costcutters Carrigs, Custys Music Shop, Ennis; Michael Michael’s, Kildysart; Hayes’ shop, Doonbeg and Ballynacally Development Association officers.
