Developed with Ballyhoura Development and LCDC support through LEADER funding and other grant aid as well as ACM's fundraising incomes, the former Hickey's "Shannon Inn" building which had fallen into disrepair is being refurbished into a modern Community Centre, bringing new opportunities, while retaining its character and charm.

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Bringing new life and opportunities is at the heart of development and made stronger by community engagement. 

Shannon House Community Centre, Castleconnell, is an inspiring example of taking a disused, poor condition building in the heart of the village and creating "A Place for All" - the ethos of the ACM Community Group.

Founded 20 years ago, ACM voluntary group have worked tirelessly developing the Castle Street centre to bursting point, needing more space & facilities for the growing needs of the 5000+ population of Ahane, Castleconnell & Montpellier, including many outcomes from the Community Planning and Social Inclusion projects facilitated by Ballyhoura Development.

Availing of Ballyhoura Development support, LEADER and other grant support, with their own generated income, ACM purchased and refurbished the old Shannon Inn building for the purpose of enabling expansion & development of the wide services and venues the community need. These include "class room" venues for various training courses Ballyhoura Development organise in local communities for personal, educational, employment & social benefit.

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ACM PRO, John McNamara welcomed the first event at Shannon House saying “The ACM Community Centre in Castleconnell is delighted to hold the "Health & Beauty" course at its new facility in Shannon House, Castleconnell. This program is being run by Ballyhoura Development CLG and Limerick Education and Training Board (LCETB). The premises is ideal for courses of this nature and also houses a restaurant, eHub, arts and crafts creative hub, youth service, community garden and community meeting spaces. Formerly a hotel and licenced premises with significant historical interest, this building has been repurposed to provide state of the art community facilities whilst still retaining the character of this 200-year-old protected structure”.

Finishing touches are still underway for a full-scale opening in 2021, but it is great to see new life and opportunities opening through this former locked door in the heart of village life.

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Shannon House at Halloween 2020

 

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