A HUB for all kinds of community activities is on the cards for Montpelier-O’Briensbridge, with major efforts afoot to raise funds to redevelop the old school building.

The building has been at the centre of the community since 1898. It served as a primary school until the 1960s and later as an extension to the parish oratory. However, in recent years, it has fallen into some disrepair.
A new committee has recently formed to redevelop the building into a modern facility centre for the Montpelier-O’Briensbridge community.“We hope that the old school will become a centre of community life once more,” said Committee Chairperson, Paul Slattery. “We want to honour the great work that has been done before us and use this space to bring people together again.”
It is envisaged that the centre will support social activities for the young and old. Dance and music classes, Men’s Shed, 45-drives, coffee mornings and other activities have already been suggested. 

This coming St Patrick’s Weekend marks the first community centre fundraiser, The Triple Peak Challenge. On Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, the committee are inviting the public to climb three peaks – Moylussa, Keeper Hill and the 12 O’Clock Hills.
Organisers describe the Triple Peak Challenge as a family-friendly event and they are encouraging people to take advantage of the long weekend and get out in the great outdoors. All of the details can be found on the Montpelier O’Briensbridge Community Centre Facebook Page.
For anyone who cannot do the hikes, donations can still be made on Gofundme.com, by searching for Montpelier-OBB Community Centre Development.