Over 100 years’ service to Beaufort

THEY’VE given over 100 years’ service to the community between them, and in recent days, Beaufort Community Council members Michael Foley, Noel Spillane, Timmy Moriarty, and Neilly O’Sullivan received presentations in recognition of their decades of work.

Chairperson Padruig O’Sullivan explained to The Kerryman that the quartet have been to the forefront in countless community initiatives through the decades.

Among these would be involvement with the community centre, nowadays a hub of activity for some 20 volunteer groups and many community events; and securing the former barracks from the OPW and turning it into a thriving centre also used by a wide number of volunteer groups.

“The four have given well in excess of 100 years’ service to their community,” Padruig O’Sullivan explained. “Some of them would have given 30 years or more. The presentation took place at Beaufort Bar and Restaurant, where we also held a dinner on the night.”

While Mr O’Sullivan acknowledged that the council has had a significant injection of new blood in recent years, he said there’s plenty room for others who’d like to make a contribution and follow in the footsteps of long-serving members such as the ones honoured in recent days. All the more so because there are busy times ahead.

“We recently secured LEADER funding of €50,000 for the first phase of significant refurbishment works at the community centre,” Padruig said. “We’ve also been raising funds and have a number of fundraising events planned to contribute towards what’s needed. We are always welcome to taking on new volunteers.”

(from left): Photo by Kevin Hughes Back row Helen Foley, Eileen Spillane, Margaret Kevins, Matt Breslin, Nora Moriarty, Noreen O’Sullivan. Front row: Michael Foley, Noel Spillane, Pádruig O’Sullivan, Timmy Moriarty and Neilly O’Sullivan.