New community building programme in West Cavan

'Grassroots Ballyconnell' will launch in Ballyconnell Community Centre tomorrow (April 10) at 7pm.

Ballyconnell Community Centre is launching a new 'Grassroots Ballyconnell' programme to benefit people north and south of the border.

Those attending can expect an evening of stories from established storytellers, music from local musicians and contributions outlining the the benefits of the programme.

The initiative will include pickleball, traditional music, border storytelling, basketball, and an entrepreneur programme for school children.

Funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the aim of the project is to re-establish the community centre, build community spirit and bring communities together regardless of age, faith or ethnicity.

Ballyconnell Community Centre Coordinator Laura Brady says the programme is providing a whole suite of new and exciting activities for people.

“We want to breathe new life into Ballyconnell Community Centre and have chosen a variety of projects that feed into lots of different hobbies and interests," she described.

She says their aim is to "transform" the community centre into a hub for all sorts of activities.

The project will include four key areas of activity.

The sports aspect will include pickleball for older members of the community and basketball for kids.

Their storytelling initiative will bring stories from the border together which will be showcased throughout Cavan and Fermanagh

A Young Buds entrepreneurial project will take place between four national and primary schools in Ballyconnell, Derrylin and Enniskillen

Finally a traditional music programme for all ages to learn tunes and play in sessions will be hosted by various venues.

Chairperson of Ballyconnell Community Centre Taragh Donohoe says as a border town it is "important" to bring communities together.

“Division was never more present than those times people crossed the border.

"The dividing line between religion, culture, economics and everyday life was felt so strong along the Fermanagh/Cavan border, those memories and legacies they leave behind are still here today," she adds.

She hopes that the upcoming projects will allow communities to "share what we have in common" and "relegate the past to a history lesson" to "build a future of peace and prosperity.”

The Ballyconnell programme is being supported by Cavan County Local Development, and will run until the end of 2025.

The launch will take place in Ballyconnell Community Centre tomorrow (April 10) at 7pm.

Those wishing to attend can RSVP to laura@ballyconnellcommunitycentre.ie.