Community ‘the backbone of it all’

Joanne Cullen of The Arva Barber was busy preparing heads for Fleadh festivities when the Celt called to speak about recent developments around Arva town.

Secretary of the Arva Area Development Association, Joanne explained the group works “hand in hand” with the various other community groups in the town, for example the festival committee, Tidy Town, Arva GFC, the Arva Trotters among others.

“We support each other,” she said.

A new walkway has been created from the Sacred Heart Church to the Aughnacliffe road where a new football pitch is being developed, making it safer for people to access the new facility.

The Arva Trotters walking group worked on this project and, in support the development association received funding from Cavan County Council to plant some tress and install benches along the walkway.

Other plans for community improvements include the creation of an allotment for St Mary’s National School children to encourage them to get gardening.

This year the committee have planted flowers around the town; they run the St Patrick’s Day parade; organise litter picks; power washing the walls, footpaths and playground in the town; Bingo from February to July every year; they celebrated Pride in June with coloured bunting around Market House and have been involved with signposting streets in the town.

Market House, located in the centre of the town, also underwent major renovations with the help of Cavan County Council and other local community groups.

“Putting in new windows, new doors, insulation and helping to clean up the ground outside it,” she listed.

“It’s a huge project but it’s a really nice one. It’s such a beautiful building in the town.”

Involved in the committee for the past five years, Joanne referenced the importance of taking part in the community.

“As a business owner, it’s them who keeps my business going and my doors open,” she said.

“You have to give back no matter what it’s for.

“It’s not just one person it’s a lot of people.

“It’s community, that’s the backbone of it all,” she concluded.