Drive to give much loved Cootehill hall a €1m revamp for community
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Back Row: Keith Smith, Laura Ward Nulty, Lisa Pepper, Hannah Murray, Mary B Duffy, Dr Fiona O Hanlon, Pauline Clarke, Carmel Brady, Cllr Aiden Fitzpatrick. Front Row: Julie Magee Karlshoj, Gemma Kettle (PRO), Mary Lennon (Treasurer), Connie Whelan (Chairperson), Sara McCauley (Secretary) and Sean Shiels. Missing from photo: John Grogan, Lisa Hogan, and Orla McGahon.Image 2 of 2
St Michael’s Hall on the Fairgreen needs major renovations.A new group has been formed in Cootehill to head up a major redevelopment of St Michael’s Hall.
Built in 1905 as a parish hall on the Fairgreen, St Michael’s Hall has provided a venue for the residents of the town and surrounds to meet, be entertained, keep fit and form friendships.
However the landmark building is showing its age. Despite being extended and reroofed in the recent past, the hall requires substantial renovations. It has been estimated that €1 million will be required to modernise the hall so it may continue as a community hub for another century. A new St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment group has been formed with an initial 17-strong membership.
“St Michael’s Hall has a unique position as a hub at the centre of all these activities,” enthused the group’s chairperson, Connie Whelan.
“Many groups have used and continue to use the building regularly.
“There is now an opportunity and a need to create something truly inspirational through the community coming together to create a beautifully redeveloped space; a new social centre and community hub, which will ensure benefits for users, not just now but well into the future. The group can envisage the potential it holds for all.”
The committee aim to draw on the support of local people, hall users and a wide range of potential funding bodies to generate the significant finances required for the renovation. They anticipate a significant local contribution will be required and have set up a GoFundMe page with an initial target of €500,000. Fundraising activities and events will be announced soon.
To kickstart their campaign, an open day will be held on Sunday, January 22 from 12-3pm in St Michael’s Hall.
Everyone is welcome to attend this public consultation where people will be invited to share their memories of the hall and how they would like to see it evolve. Special guest for the occasion is actor and historian Hugh O’Brien who will give a talk on the hall’s history at 12.30pm.
The project organisers are calling on everyone to get involved to ensure the best possible community centre is delivered for the people of Cootehill and surrounding area.