Pictured on November 24 at a gathering on site to mark the start of construction on the new Killeigh Community Centre were (L to R): Allen Kenny, John Hinch, Annette Kloeckner, Conor Finnegan, Marianne Curling, Maria Bannon, Theresa Kelly, Gerard Cleary, Noelle Spollen, Rita Kelly, Martina Gorman, Una McCafferkey, Deirdre McCabe and Ciarán Dunne. Missing from photo: committee members Patricia Nunan and Nancy Mahon.

'Great excitement' as Killeigh community centre build gets underway

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 2 Dec 2022, 1:47 PM

Last updated: Fri 2 Dec 2022, 1:48 PM

There was great excitement this week in the community of Killeigh, as construction started on the major redevelopment of the former Macra Hall into a modern multi-use Community Centre.

Local construction company Allen Kenny Construction Ltd was awarded the contract following a public procurement tendering process.

The project is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete. If all goes according to plan, the new centre will be open to the community by the end of 2023.

The Killeigh Community Centre Development Committee met with Allen Kenny at the Macra Hall on Thursday last, November 24, to mark the commencement of the construction process. The committee welcomed Allen and wished him the very best with the project.

It was regarded a momentous day, as it was the product of five years of hard work and dedication by the committee, with the backup and support of the whole community. It marks a major milestone for the community in realising the ambition of having a Community Centre in Killeigh.

Also present was Conor Finnegan of MCOH Architects. A local man, Conor has both a professional and personal interest in the project and together with the other members of the design team has been instrumental in guiding the project to this point.

On a lighter note, Killeigh Community Centre Development Committee Chairperson, Maria Bannon, presented each committee member with a miniature shovel to remind everyone of the part they had played in getting the Community Centre project to this stage and 'shovel ready'.

Excitement is also building as the date of the draw for the major fundraising event 'Win a house in Meath' approaches. On December 19, one lucky ticket holder will win a brand-new house in Enfield, or a cash prize of €300,000.

Tickets can be purchased at www.winahouseinmeath.com or locally in the following premises: Killeigh: Gorman’s Shop and Grennans on the Green; Geashill: Byrne’s Gala; Tullamore: Maunsells Service Station; Scally's Centra, Arden Road; Stella Press; Lambe Oil; Mitchells Hardware; or from any committee member.