40th Anniversary Community Party & Historic Exhibition - 12 October
Darrara Community Council is celebrating 40 years of Darrara Community Centre & looking back on c.140 years of local history since the building originally opened as Darrara National School in 1887.
The celebrations will centre around a Historic Exhibition at Darrara Community Centre on Sunday, October 12th, from 2.30pm to 5pm, showcasing the rich educational history of the building, the generations who passed through its doors, and the vibrant community life it continues to support today.
Darrara Community Council is celebrating 40 years of Darrara Community Centre & looking back on c.140 years of local history since the building originally opened as Darrara National School in 1887.
The celebrations will centre around a Historic Exhibition at Darrara Community Centre on Sunday, October 12th, from 2.30pm to 5pm, showcasing the rich educational history of the building, the generations who passed through its doors, and the vibrant community life it continues to support today.
Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, the Old School building was saved in 1985 and transformed into a Community Centre that has hosted countless classes, events, concerts, and celebrations over the past four decades.
The 40th Anniversary & Historic Exhibition will include:
“This is about more than just looking back,” said Angela Linehan, Chairperson of Darrara Community Council and member of the Events Organising Committee. “It’s about marking 138 years of education in our local area; celebrating all that has been achieved by volunteers over the past 40 years; showcasing the memories and heritage associated with life in Darrara, and looking ahead to the future of our community.”
The Committee is encouraging families, past pupils, and the wider community to attend the anniversary celebrations, enjoy the exhibition, and share their own memories of Darrara.
The 40th Anniversary & Historic Exhibition will include:
- Plaque unveiling
- Displays of old photographs, school artefacts and press clippings over the years.
- A Children’s Colouring Competition Display - ''I love Darrara: Past, Present & Future'': Young people up to the age of 12 are invited to draw the old school building, today’s community centre, their future vision of Darrara in 2087 at its bicentenary, or something they love from the Darrara locality. Winning entries will be used as official Christmas or thank you cards, with proceeds going to charity, and there will be prizes for the category winners.
- There'll also be Live Music with Denis The Postman & Friends, as well as tea & refreshments.
“This is about more than just looking back,” said Angela Linehan, Chairperson of Darrara Community Council and member of the Events Organising Committee. “It’s about marking 138 years of education in our local area; celebrating all that has been achieved by volunteers over the past 40 years; showcasing the memories and heritage associated with life in Darrara, and looking ahead to the future of our community.”
The Committee is encouraging families, past pupils, and the wider community to attend the anniversary celebrations, enjoy the exhibition, and share their own memories of Darrara.
Event details:
📍 Darrara Community Centre, Ballymacwilliam, Clonakilty, West Cork, P85 FV05.
📅 Sunday, October 12th, 2.30pm – 5pm
💶 Free entry – All are welcome!
Walk to School & wear a splash of black or yellow!
We're inviting everyone to walk to Darrara Old School / Darrara Community Centre on the day and quite literally walk in the footsteps of the children of 1887.
If you can’t manage to walk the full journey, why not park at a nearby location (e.g. Ring Village, Darrara National School, or Darrara Church) and walk from there?
Be safe: don’t forget your high-vis jacket.
If you’re driving, please car pool or arrange to be dropped off/collected. Parking will be limited, and attendants will be on hand to help.
We also invite everyone to also wear a splash of our local colours – black or yellow!
📍 Darrara Community Centre, Ballymacwilliam, Clonakilty, West Cork, P85 FV05.
📅 Sunday, October 12th, 2.30pm – 5pm
💶 Free entry – All are welcome!
Walk to School & wear a splash of black or yellow!
We're inviting everyone to walk to Darrara Old School / Darrara Community Centre on the day and quite literally walk in the footsteps of the children of 1887.
If you can’t manage to walk the full journey, why not park at a nearby location (e.g. Ring Village, Darrara National School, or Darrara Church) and walk from there?
Be safe: don’t forget your high-vis jacket.
If you’re driving, please car pool or arrange to be dropped off/collected. Parking will be limited, and attendants will be on hand to help.
We also invite everyone to also wear a splash of our local colours – black or yellow!
👉 If you have any old photos or memorabilia that could be used at the exhibition, please get in touch asap with Darrara Community Centre via mobile 086-6011592, email [email protected], or through our social media channels.