Ballydaly celebrates a local milestone
BALLYDALY is a community that holds a strong identity and sense to its name, and through various organisations down through the years, the parish has maintained and developed its reputation as a vibrant area.
Behind Ballydaly’s vibrancy is its Community Hall, which is the of local life.
And when the hall reached its 60th Anniversary, friends and associates convened to honour the special occasion.
Through Chairman Tom O’Sullivan and Secretary Ritchie O’Connor, the Hall remains in active use and is splendidly kept.
The foresight to Ballydaly Hall surfaced through the endeavours of a committee coming together to construct a meeting place.
The cost of materials was £300, with voluntary labour contributing significantly and allowing for the centre to be opened on January 4, 1960.
Behind the concept was a founding committee headed by Chairman Jack Hickey; Vice Chairman Johnny Philpott; Secretary John O’Brien; Treasurer Denis Tucker and a committee comprising of Jim Murphy,
Jerry Horgan, Jerry Corkery, Dan Vincent O’Sullivan, Connie Buckley and Tommy Tucker.
A full history of the Hall’s 60 years has been compiled by current Secretary Richie O’Connor.
An inaugural meeting was held in Rathduane National School, with the objective of serving the needs of the community.
The meeting decided to go ahead with the building in Tucker’s field.
“With no funds, two house to house collections were held, and organisers went further afield to the Millstreet town area, the two local collections and one collection in Millstreet raised almost £200, and with two thirds of funds obtained, it gave confidence to drive ahead,” said Richie.
“By the time the Hall was in place, 33 meetings had been held in the space of 11 months,” he added.
Over the years, a kitchen and toilets have been added; and the Hall itself has got a makeover, gas heating and in later years oil heating, with windows, doors, and some curtains added over the past year.
The main source of income has been the card drive, now in its 42nd year; sports and leisure day; and dancing classes, which have been operating for the past 15 years.
Down through the years, the centre has been of huge benefit to many organisations, including GAA, ICA, Macra, Athletics, Tennis, Comhalthas Ceolteoirí Eireann, IFA and the Ballydaly Social Group.
Continuous developments continued with an extension, car park and new heating system, welcome refurbishments. Helping to finance the ventures were IRD Duhallow, Clár, Cork
County Council and the Ballydaly community.
The 60th celebratory function recalled the past six decades, with music, song and dance continuing into the night.