Cllr Frankie Keena has this week commended the continuous support afforded to local community organisations by the Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union.
“The Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union Community Support Fund initiative continues to support numerous local organisations within our Municipal District.
“One such recipient were the members of the St Patrick’s Terrace Residents’ Association, Irishtown, who utilised the funding to purchase and erect a polytunnel on the grounds to the rear of their houses. The residents have expressed their deep gratitude to Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union and CEO, MR Michael Evans, for this generous contribution,” Cllr Keena said.
Residents’ Association member, Padraic McGraith, welcomed the funding award noting that the tunnel is situated at the rear of the terrace and will be used to encourage local residents and the community to grow their own fruit and vegetables on site.
“It is envisaged that this endeavour will encourage young and not so young to pool their talents and make this an enriching experience for all concerned. I also want to express my gratitude to Cllr Frankie Keena for his help in coordinating the project,” Mr McGraith said.
Cllr Keena stated that the Residents’ Association fully intend to continue with their enhancement of their local environment as they strive to install extra lighting on the football field to the rear of the terrace assisting underage AC Celtic teams with their training while also seeking to provide a walking track around the perimeter of the pitch to create a safe walking area for all concerned without having to leave the locality.
“I am delighted to help out this committee. Following the granting of a lease from Westmeath County Council for the lands, the St Patrick Terrace Residents’ Association has partnered with AC Celtic in using the pitch for underage soccer training and now that the polytunnel is in place the local residents have also an activity for themselves. Growing your own vegetables and flowers in a shared way is a great way of socialising and having a chat.
“I would like to commend the Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union for their Community Support Fund initiative which annually offers local community groups the opportunity to enhance their immediate environment.
“It is a lovely way of recognising the voluntary work of such community groups and I would like to afford a special mention of thanks to CEO, Mr Michael Evans, and all his staff at the Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union,” Cllr Keena concluded.
