Old Bridge Community Association has great plans for vacant house
A HOUSE in the centre of the Old Bridge area of Clonmel, which has fallen into disrepair in recent years, has now been taken in charge by the Old Bridge Community Association who are developing an ambitious plan to transform it into a wonderful amenity for the community at large.
Last year Clonmel Borough District Council agreed to hand over the house, situated at 22 Dungarvan Road in the heart of the Old Bridge, to the highly-regarded and vastly experienced Community Association, under the chairmanship of Frank Fahey.
The house will be designated as a Community House which can be used by the Old Bridge community, and by the extended town folk of Clonmel.
The house unfortunately is in need of extensive renovations. and in wasting no time, a specially appointed committee, has set the wheels in motion to raise the necessary funds to renovate the building, located adjacent to the Motor Sales business and opposite Ely’s Centra Store.
One of the first fundraisers will be a Golf Classic at Clonmel Golf Club on Friday, 6th June, where a team of four will cost a very reasonable €150. Non-golfers will also have the opportunity to sponsor a teebox for €50. There will be a sensational prize on the day for a hole in one at the 17th hole. And in true ‘Bridge’ style, the evening will be put to bed in the Emigrant’s Rest that night.
When up and running as a Community House, the committee envisage that the premises can be used for activities such as coffee mornings, walking groups, Men’s Shed group, etc. And it is also planned to build a sensory garden adjacent.
The house will also be used by existing groups, such as unsung heroes like the Holy Year Cross Committee and the Edel Quinn Grotto Committee who perennially are a source of pride to Old Bridge, and to the town of Clonmel, such is the magnificent work they carry out on behalf of the community at large.
Other organisations such as the Skittles Club, the Old Bridge Soccer Club, the Christmas Tree committee also intend to avail of the facilities when completed.
A invite will be extended to the Little Blue Heroes along with all the children in the Old Bridge and Clonmel, to meet Santa there each December.
The progressive committee also plan to build an extension to the existing structure which will be used for two lots of showers, changing rooms and meeting rooms that will be used by the local Old Bridge FC at Green Lane, visiting clubs and match officials on the day.
The facility will also be open to hiking clubs, canoeing clubs, and the River Rescue, if and when the need arises.
So the drive is well and truly underway now for what in time will be a treasured amenity for the area. And don’t forget the Golf Classic – Friday, 6th June at Clonmel Golf Club!