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The Full Story
Ballinaclash Community Hall
A Heartbeat of Community
And Tradition
Welcome to the Ballinaclash Community Hall, a symbol of unity, history, and the relentless spirit of our community. Nestled in the heart of Ballinaclash, County Wicklow, this hall has been a cornerstone of local life since its original opening in 1953.
A Rich History From
School To Community Hall
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1953: Opened as a primary school, shaping the lives of countless children under the leadership of Mr. Mick Baker and dedicated teachers like Mr. Egan.
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1971: Closed its doors as a school but the spirit of community remained unbroken.
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1975: The Ballinaclash Community Association was formed, breathing new life into the old school building.
Community Resilience and Dedication
The association, powered by the collective effort of community members, has been the heartbeat of Ballinaclash, hosting events, celebrations, and the longest-running 45 card game group in Ireland. The memory of Mr. Mick Baker lives on, with his wife Martha Baker still reigning at the card tables.
Transformative Efforts
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1976: A visionary project to purchase central village land was led by Fred Phelan, supported by devoted members like Dora Nolan, Liam Clarke, and Andy Byrne.
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Fundraising Success: Raised £20,300 through dedicated efforts, including a memorable car raffle, to secure the land in memory of Hugh McCarty, a beloved local figure.
Modern Renaissance
With perseverance and the support of Wicklow County Council, the community secured grants for a comprehensive renovation. Under Colin Byrne Construction’s expert guidance, the hall has been transformed into a modern facility ready to serve future generations.
Current Activities
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45 Card Game: Join us on Monday nights for Ireland’s longest-running card game tradition.
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Zumba: Dance your way to fitness every Tuesday.
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Youth Club: Fun and activities for the young ones every Friday evening.
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Yoga: Find your zen on Saturday mornings.
Rent Our Hall
The Ballinaclash Community Hall is available for rent at just €25 per hour. Whether it’s for a party, meeting, or special event, our hall is the perfect venue.
Booking Information:
To book the hall, please email us or call, and we’ll get back to you with availability.
Reopening Celebration
As we reopen the doors to our newly renovated hall, we celebrate the unwavering community spirit that has brought us here. With a rich past and a bright future, Ballinaclash Community Hall continues to be the heart of our community, fostering connection, celebration, and unity.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable journey and be a part of the thriving community spirit at Ballinaclash Community Hall.