Offaly Volunteer Centre officially opens in Tullamore
A new town centre volunteering hub in Tullamore was officially opened this week.
The new Offaly Volunteer Centre premises at O’Connor Square was formally opened on Tuesday, with Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer the guest of honour on the day.
Offaly Volunteer Centre said the opening of the premises "represents a significant milestone in the continued development of volunteering infrastructure and community support" across the county.
It pointed out that the new premises places Offaly Volunteer Centre at the heart of the town, offering a more accessible and welcoming space for volunteers, community groups, partner organisations, and members of the public to connect, seek support, and explore ways to get involved in their local communities.
In his opening remarks, Minister Buttimer warmly welcomed those in attendance and paid particular tribute to Offaly Volunteer Centre Manager Deirdre Fox, and to the organisation's team and board.
The Minister spoke of the deep culture of volunteering in the county, noting that "volunteering is instilled in the people of this great county and in this great town," and highlighted the importance of recognising and nurturing that civic spirit.
Referring to the Government's upcoming Volunteering Strategy, Minister Buttimer expressed the hope that it would be embraced not merely as policy, but as something lived and practiced in communities every day.
MC Deirdre Fox described the opening as an "emotional" and "affirming" moment for the organisation and its supporters.
"It was amazing to see so many people gathered together to celebrate this moment with us," she said. "Days like (Tuesday) are heartwarming. They remind us that this work is about people, relationships, and community. Our new premises represents much more than a change of address. It reflects the strength of the relationships we have built across Offaly."
Chairperson Molly Buckley also reflected on the significance of the occasion and the sense of shared achievement felt across the room.
"It was genuinely lovely to see so many of our friends and colleagues celebrating our new premises with us," she said. "This centre exists because of the collective efforts of volunteers, board members, staff, partners, and communities.
"(Tuesday) felt like a celebration of all of that collaboration and commitment, and of the strong spirit of volunteering that runs through Offaly."
Ms Buckley highlighted the importance of partnership working, noting that Offaly Volunteer Centre’s impact is strengthened through close collaboration with a wide range of organisations, including Offaly Local Development Company, Offaly Sports Partnership, Family Resource Centres, and many other community, voluntary, and statutory bodies across the county.
Board member Malachy Mangan described the opening of the new premises as a particularly fitting moment for him personally, as he prepares to step back from the board, having served since before the centre first opened its doors.
"It feels like such a fitting way to mark this moment," he said. "Having been involved since before Offaly Volunteer Centre even opened its doors, it has been a privilege to see how far it has come. To stand here today, in this new premises, is very special, and it has been wonderful to be part of a journey that has meant so much to so many people across the county."
Offaly Volunteer Centre plays a central role in connecting people with meaningful volunteering opportunities, supporting organisations to recruit and manage volunteers, and promoting a strong culture of civic participation.
"Volunteering is good for our communities, but it is also good for you," Ms Buckley added. "People consistently tell us that volunteering helps them feel more connected and more confident, and that it gives them a strong sense of purpose and belonging."
The centre also continues to promote flexible pathways into volunteering, including through its Community Volunteers Programme, which supports people who want to volunteer occasionally, for one off events or short term opportunities, without a long term commitment.
“We know that people’s lives are busy,” said Ms Fox. “The Community Volunteers Programme allows people to dip in and out of volunteering in a way that fits their lives. Even small acts of volunteering can have a big impact.”
Members of the public who are interested in volunteering, or organisations seeking support with volunteer recruitment and management, are encouraged to visit www.volunteeroffaly.ie. Updates on opportunities and events are also shared via Offaly Volunteer Centre’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Offaly Volunteer Centre has also invited individuals and organisations to bring forward ideas and suggestions for how volunteering can continue to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of communities across Offaly.
"Our door is open," Ms Fox said. "Whether you want to volunteer, need volunteers, or simply have an idea that could benefit your community, we would love to hear from you."