Imagine a town of 2,000 people without a doctor, pharmacy, butchers, gym, playgound, football field, social centre or coffee shop within walking distance for a family with small children.
The estates of Baile an Chóiste, Cairéal Bán and Lough Riocaird is such a town. Built along a new distributor road through the green fields of Castlegar it is a beautiful place to live but the lack of services is stark.
In the local shopping area Murphy’s Centra, Kebab Hut and Trends Hairdressers provide vital services but other units lie vacant still after a decade.
Number 50 Baile an Chóiste is therefore a very important address in these estates – this is the community house.
It is used by dozens of young people daily under the guidance of Foróige and by local groups and committees for meetings, social and educational gatherings. Most recently the community group established to manage the newly constructed Ballinfoyle Mór Community Centre has used Number 50 at its base for planning the opening and running of this long awaited facility for the north east side of Galway city.
Recently St. Columba’s Credit Union has supported the community to redecorate Number 50 and ensure that the benefits of the community house will continue for many years to come. Tomorrow Friday March 31st at 5pm the community and St. Columba’s Credit Union will celebrate the redecoration with a reception. There will be food, traditional music and free cones from Jimmy’s ice cream van.
All are welcome.
Come along, enjoy the fun.
See you at Number 50.
