TheMillenniumGardenProject
CAHERSIVEEN Men’s Shed is up and running since the autumn of 2015 and it remains a very active and vibrant place where men from the locality come to socialise and involve themselves in various projects, both personal and community orientated.
The Men’s Shed in Cahersiveen have benefited immensely in the past from Community Support Funds which has helped to set up everything from fitness classes, a new kitchen, tiled flooring and walls.
Thomas O’Connell is the Chairman of Cahersiveen Men’s Shed and he said without CSF they would not have been able to build on the initial enthusiasm that existed for a Men’s Shed in Cahersiveen. They now have major plans for 2018 in terms of water conservation which Thomas said the members are really looking forward to.
“Anytime we had a project they have helped us. This funding is very important to what we do here and we really appreciate it,” said Thomas.
“It’s been good to us and at the moment we’re changing the lighting system here which has made a huge difference. In the past we’ve received money for various things like a heating system and kitchen and to be quite honest about it we would be strapped for cash without the CSF,” Thomas added. EVER since the Millennium Garden was created back in 2000 it continues to serve as an important focal point for the people of Lixnaw and Finuge. New seating was recently added to the garden thanks to the Community Support Fund which will ensure even more people can now enjoy what is a lovely community facility.
Peggy O’Connell is an active member of the community and she is involved in such popular events as The Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend Festival in Finuge.
Peggy said projects like the Millennium Garden would not be possible without Community Support Funding as small rural communities with a low population density have no other source of direct funding.
“It’s a very attractive feature and it’s important to have a facility like this in a rural area as it serves as a local attraction where people can visit and enjoy walking around it,” said Peggy.
“Smaller communities in particular would be a lot worse off only for the Community Support Fund and whoever thought of it deserves 100% praise. It has helped us immensely,” she added.