'It's about building a community': Longford children to benefit from new after care in Ballinamuck

On Saturday, February 7, Ballinamuck Aftercare hosted their official opening. The committee behind this were elated to open their doors after an accumulation of a lot of hard work.

Damien McKenna is the chairperson and Sinead Donnelly is the secretary.

Their mission is to provide a service for children and provide support for families in the local community and to support the school at Ballinamuck. The aim is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected, encouraged to learn and grow.

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Treasurer and committee member Yvonne Leslie explained:

“We, the committee and the management, are committed to supporting the growth of the service for the upcoming years, partnering with you, the families, to support that growth.

“The opening of this new service is not just about a building, it's about building a community, a community of children, families and educators working together. None of this would be possible without the tremendous effort of several people.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Ballinamuck National School principal, Damien McIntyre, and all his staff, and to all the members of the Board of Management for their support.

“I want to say thank you to the school caretaker, Noel Connell, who is always happy to assist us when needed. And that's not forgetting all the parents that have volunteered their time to help us set up last September.”

Ms Leslie thanked Longford County Childcare for their assistance during the setup process, and for continuing to support them with any assistance or advice. Tribute was also paid to Fr Ber Hogan, as well as the representatives from Longford County Council, for their attendance and ongoing support.

“I want to say a big thank you to all the local businesses for their support, including those businesses and people who supported us in our recent Fundraising efforts,” added Yvonne. “To all the parents and especially all the children, without you it would not be possible.

“Now we have to say a massive thank you to the staff of Ballinamuck Aftercare. Angela Allen and Josie McManus. A massive congratulations to our manager Angela as it is testimony to the great work and great dedication from her that has driven the success we have seen to date with their service.”

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The after-school hours are between 2pm and 6pm which that further progressed when the committee were approved last month to open out of school term during the midterms and Easters school holidays for all day care.

Ballinamuck After Care and Ballinamuck National School are still accepting applications for enrolment.

Contact Ballinamuck Aftercare on 089 9793132 or ballinamuckaftercare@gmail.com