President opens the town youth centre
THE official opening of the Drogheda Youth Information Centre in Narrow West St. by President Mary Robinson on Sunday signalled a ‘dream come true’ for those involved in bringing the project from its embryonic stages to fruition.
After the ecumenical service held to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Augustinian Order in Drogheda, Youth Centre committee member Kathleen Everitt told hundreds of people at the official opening, that various local groups had proved to be the financial backbone of the project - under co-ordinator, Noel Keane.
Explaining the functions and objectives of the two-year-old Drogheda Youth Development group - to promote and support youth work in the locality - Ms. Everitt said that the project would not have been achieved without the financial backing, goodwill and hard work of local bodies Coca- Cola Atlantic, Drogheda Corporation, FAS, the Department of Social Welfare, Eddie’s Hardware, Trustee Savings Bank, Premier Periclase, Bank of Ireland, O’Reilly Bros, and John Reddin and his construction team.
Ms. Everitt paid particular tribute to co-ordinator Noel Keane. ‘Behind every good organisation, there is a brilliant co-ordinator, and Noel Keane is no exception. ‘I would like to pay tribute today to Noel and to thank him for the tremendous work and endless hours he put into developing this organisation and for the individual support he has given us all,’ she said.
She also paid tribute to the centre staff, to the local scouts and guides who performed a guard of honour at the opening and to the Drogheda Samba Band for the entertainment. It was a ‘ proud moment’ for Drogheda Youth Development and a ‘dream come true’ for many people, said Ms. Everitt.
Although Coca- Cola Atlantic generally confines sponsorships to local community events and organisations, rather than contributing to buildings, they did decide to support the DYD in setting up this service and donated £10,000 towards the refurbishment of the building.
Siobhan Woods from Coca- Cola Atlantic said: ‘Drogheda Youth Development are a highly motivated, committed group whose aim in establishing this centre is to provide a free, comprehensive and confidential service for young people. Coca- Cola Atlantic are very pleased to have supported this initiative and we wish them every success with the centre.’