Bridgeways Family Resource Centre in Ballymahon 20 years celebration
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A great double celebration in South Longford town
Bridgeways Family Resource Centre in Ballymahon played host to a double celebration on Wednesday, May 20, with the Centre marking 20 years in business and the Ballymahon / Landevant Twinning Group celebrating the silver jubilee of their twinning agreement.
The showcase event which took place in Bridgeways FRC from 2- 4pm was extremely well attended.
The official celebration commenced at 5pm and the packed audience included: Mayor of Landevant Pascal le Calve and his delegation of visitors from Landevant in France, distinguished guests, past and present staff and management along with many more representing all walks of society.
Breege Campbell (Manager) was the MC and welcomed and introduced all guests.
Chairperson (Andrea Maher) spoke of the work that has happened in Bridgeways FRC over the last 20 years and how this benefits all members of the community. Andrea thanked many funders, staff, volunteers, the voluntary board of management members (past and present) and all families, young people, children and groups who use Bridgeways.
Erica O’Meara, a parent of three children, explained how the service has benefited and supported her family, over the last number of years, during difficult times and she expressed her gratitude to all involved over the last number of years, for their ongoing help, support and professionalism.
Eitaris Smilingis, a young man in secondary school in Ballymahon who will take the Leaving Certificate exam in June, explained how he had got involved in Bridgeways, many years ago as a young person in the homework club.
Eitaris explained the support he got from staff in Bridgeways over the last number of years, and how in recent times he has been a part of the CYPSC group, where staff members (Emer & Yetunde) have been so beneficial to him over the last years. He extended his gratitude to all for this support, which he felt has been so beneficial to him during his time in school.
Paddy Egan, well known local historian, spoke about the history of the Dean Egan Library and what it was used for down through the years. Badminton was mentioned along with a host of activities. Paddy explained his uncle was a trustee of the building and that he himself is not related to Dean Egan, despite the same surname.
A newly framed picture of the Reverend Dean Egan has been refurbished and reframed and now hangs in the front entrance hall to the building. Paddy explained that there is little information available about the Dean Egan and the hall after it was initially built, but Paddy encouraged anyone who may have information or know where records could be obtained to contact him or the historical society.
Breege Murray (Chairperson) of the Ballymahon/Landevant group welcomed Mayor Pascal le Calve and his delegation and all to this wonderful celebration which she was very happy to be part of. Breege spoke of how the twinning had come about all twenty five years ago at a very different time in Irish society. She fondly remembered the late Michael Killeen and his vision at that time.
Breege explained how the twinning had evolved over the twenty five years and how friendship bonds had been formed, maintained and to this day continue with both groups of people from Ballymahon and Landevant. She thanked Bridgeways FRC for their support and collaborative working together with the twinning group over the many years.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh explained how he was very happy to be in attendance at this wonderful double celebration. He acknowledged the important work that is carried out in Bridgeways FRC and also in the family resource centre in Lus na Gréine in Granard and the other centres all around Ireland. Cllr Murtagh complimented the twinning group on their achievement and dedication of 25 years of twinning and acknowledged the voluntary time effort and commitment of all.
Sheena Dooner Quigley (staff member) presented a bouquet of flowers to Teach Failte Isteach Volunteer Mrs Jean Duncan for her ongoing, time and commitment to the group for the last number of years. Jean explained that she thoroughly enjoys volunteering at this class weekly.
The Ballymahon Children's Choir under the direction of Luiza from Music Generation sang a number of songs. Bernadine Farrelly (Harpist), played three beautiful original tunes.
The stage was then cleared and the Glenn-side Ceili Band set up for a wonderful night's entertainment. Ailbhe McClaren performed some wonderful Irish dancing. Sean Duggan also took to the dance floor with many talented dancers, including local set dancers, ceili dancers, the twinning group from Ballymahon, and our friends from Landevant. It was a wonderful night of fun and entertainment.