Official opening of Glinsk Community Childcare – February 2010

It’s not often that a small rural community celebrates a Million-euro dream but the sun shone brightly on the assembled Glinsk community on Sunday 28th Feb 2010 as they gathered for the official opening of “Caisleán Óir” a state-of-the-art Childcare facility which will provide Creche, Montesorri pre-school and After-schools service to children from Glinsk and surrounding areas.

The unveiling of the official plaque to mark the opening of this excellent facility was performed by Fr. Michael Joyce assisted by Olwyn Murray, well-known semi-finalist in the “Ireland’s got Talent” programme who also cut the ceremonial ribbon.  Following the blessing of the Building by Fr. Joyce, Olwyn gave a wonderful rendering of “Alleluia” song which rang around the glens of Glinsk.

Fr. Michael Joyce invokes a blessing on the new Centre.

Secretary of Glinsk Community Childcare welcomed the attendance and Chairperson, Rosemarie Trayers gave a detailed account of the eight-year journey that has led to the opening of this fine facility. She spoke of a survey that identified the inadequacy of Community Childcare facilities in the area and was loud in her praise of all of the ladies who formed the committee and worked so hard to bring their dream to reality.

She paid tribute to Ms Mary Giblin of Galway Childcare for her help and support and also thanked Micheal Kitt TD for his part in securing the million euro grant for the project.  Ms Bernie Morris of FÁS was thanked for her assistance in providing two employees on a CE scheme.

In her speech, Rosemarie paid tribute to Glinsk Community Council who provided three enterprise units which now form the core of this facility.  In a true spirit of partnership at local level, the Community Council provided the site for this new development.  She thanked Community council for their ongoing help, support and advice.  Tributes were also paid to Kathleen Quinn who donated a small parcel of land which the group needed for services.

Rosemarie thanked John Carty and his staff at Carty Developments for their co-operation and efficiency as the main contractor during the building of this facility.

Tiarnan Walsh, local County Councillor was on hand to wish the Childcare group well in their endeavours and Micheál Kitt TD spoke of how impressed he was with the ladies who had shown such commitment to this project and had pulled out all the stops to make it happen.

Community activist and local teacher,  Marty Ward NT,  saluted all those who had supported the project “Investment in our children is investment in our future and there is evidence that for every euro spent at pre-school level that we save seven euro down the line”

Manager of Caisleán Óir, Liz Leahy, spoke of her delight in being able to bring such a service to the children of this area and thanked all of the staff for their help and support.

Ms Patricia Whyte, Secretary, invited the first two children to be enrolled, Eoin Brennan and Emily Trayers to make a presentation to Olwyn Murray and Mary Keane presented a token of acknowledgement to Fr. Michael Joyce.

Members of the committee then gathered around to cut the beautiful cake which was specially designed for the occasion by Maria Fitzmaurice.  Olwyn Murray then brought proceedings to a close with a rousing chorus of popular songs.  The assembled guests were then treated to refreshments.