A hive of community activity at the hub in Kilnaleck

Kilnaleck and its surrounds is an area steeped in history that is at the heart of community life in Co Cavan.

In 1879 Kilnaleck village found itself at the centre of a mining boom when some local businessmen and a school headmaster decided to develop the coal that existed nearby. However, and much to their disappointment, the coal could only be located deep in the earth. It subsequently became difficult to extract and the mine was forced to close.

Fast forward to 2024 and the area is a hive of activity with services and organisations for everyone to enjoy.

Edel Reilly is the co-ordinator of the Kilnaleck Activity Hub, which is coming to the end of what can only be described as a busy and fun-filled summer calendar of events for children and young people in the locality.

The hub caters for people of all ages and, as Edel says, “provides a programme of activity and events that bring everyone in the community together”.

“We have spinning classes, jiving and all sorts,” she outlined.

“We are starting to plan now for Halloween activities and after that the focus will be on Christmnas, so it’s all go here,” smiled Edel.

“We also provide team classes and we also run a very successful over 50s programme as well. We have people of all ages at the hub and it's a hive of activity.”

Up the road from the hub is the Réaltóg Centre - a community and health facility that serves the people of Kilnaleck, Denn, Mullahoran and Ballymachugh. Helen Reilly told the Celt that the centre is accessible to everyone seven days a week.

Like the nearby activity hub, the centre provides classes and activities that include exercise, dance and computers but local clubs and groups also use the centre on a regular basis.

Groups include the Men's and Hen's sheds; the Bowls Club; comhaltas and Kilnaleck Youth Drama.

Family Carers Ireland provides services from the centre and Kilnaleck Social Services holds dinner and entertainment every second Wednesday for elderly citizens in the community.

“We also provide meeting rooms and hot-desking, and we operate a community laundry here,” added Helen.

“We renovated St Patrick’s Hall recently and are looking forward to what the future holds for that. This is a place of activity and it’s open to everyone in the community. Really, a service like this is vital locally because it provides a platform for social activity and interaction with others. People enjoy the services we provide and that is a very positive thing.”