2022 marks 40 years since the official opening of the centre. 43 years ago,
in 1979, Archbishop Joseph Cunnane, on behalf of the Diocese of Tuam, donated a site on the grounds of St Patrick’s Church Lecanvey for the purpose of building a Community Centre. The Chairman of the Committee formed to oversee the successful completion of the building of the Centre was Fr James Walsh – formerly P.P. of Kilmeena/Fahy Parish. Other members of that Committee were Sr Saviour – then resident in the Convent in Lecanvey and teaching in Lecanvey National School. Henry Joe Gill R.I.P and Colm Feeney R.I.P, Padraic Needham and Martin Lally R.I.P. among others were all members of the original Committee.
The purpose of the centre is to provide social, cultural, educational and recreational facilities for the people of Lecanvey and surrounding areas
Over the years the Centre has been used for meetings, soccer tournaments, weekly card games, yoga, pilates, zumba, keep-fit classes, badminton, weekly tea & coffee after Mass on Sundays, social dancing, set dancing, ceili’s, discos, indoor play/PE facilities for Lecanvey National School, to name a few. While the Covid pandemic limited it’s use over the last couple of years, the Centre is once again at the heart of activities in the community. Pickleball (continuing through the summer, Monday and Friday 12-1.30pm) and Indoor Carpet Bowls (Thursdays at 2pm, season finishes end of June) are both new to the centre, running twice weekly with all equipment provided. Yoga classes are very popular, new cycle starting soon, the Choir has enjoyed a great couple of months back together and is taking a break till September, new members always welcome. Another new activity this year was the Parent and Toddler group, which has been a great social outlet for the young and not so young, who were unable to meet up for 2 years. The centre has high speed fibre broadband, alongside suitable workspace for anyone remote working. The committee is delighted to announce that Speech and Drama classes with Aoife McCreeby, from Westport Drama School, will be starting in September.
To celebrate all this the committee are hosting a Family & Sports Day on Saturday 11th June in Lecanvey. There will be a Kids Treasure Hunt, Fun Family Sports, Bowls and Pickleball demonstrations, BBQ and refreshments, music, and an opportunity to view the facilities available to anyone living in the locality. Please come along from 1.30pm on Saturday 11th June.