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We’re delighted to share photos from our 40th Anniversary celebrations! We kicked off with a very special event on October 9th for all past and present members of Darrara Community Council who were invited to the Community Centre, along with distinguished guests: Mayor of Clonakilty Conan O’Donovan, Minister Christopher O’Sullivan TD, CEO of Muintir na Tíre Rosie Palmer, Fr. Tom Hayes, Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll, and Claire Higgins, Principal of Darrara National School. A reception was held on the night to honour every single Council member who played a part in our story over the past 40 years. Whether it was lifting floorboards or knocking partitions in 1985, selling tickets for the famous two-car draws, organising events, maintaining facilities, renewing gym memberships, fundraising, paying bills, submitting grant applications, pouring tea, catering for large crowds, setting goals – and all the countless other jobs that go with running a community centre on a 100% voluntary basis – their time, energy, and spirit secured the Old School building for future generations and helped make Darrara a vibrant, welcoming, and better place to live. Chairperson Angela Linehan thanked everyone for the part they played, while remembering with fondness those who have passed. May they rest in peace. Rosie Palmer, CEO of Muintir na Tíre, surprised Council members Noreen Harrington, Mary Anglin, and Pius Lyons with presentations of Certificates of Recognition for their “40 years of outstanding contribution to Darrara Community Council.” Paul McManus was also honoured “for overseeing the major redevelopment of the community centre in 2013–2014 and for serving as Chairperson for eight years.” Community Party & Historic Exhibition A wonderful Community Party and Historic Exhibition was hosted on October 12th, featuring the unveiling of our new “The Pound Cross” plaque, alongside members of the O’Sullivan family, in tribute to our much-missed and recently deceased PRO, Cionnaith O’Súilleabháin. His wife, Nina Ahern, had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the Historic Exhibition. Visitors were invited to take a trip through almost 140 years of local history — stepping back in time to explore Darrara through the ages. Highlights included:
A Night of Storytelling to Close the Celebrations Our celebrations concluded on October 18th with a beautiful Storytelling Show featuring Pakie O’Callaghan — of RTÉ fame and co-creator of the hit stage comedy Santa Ponsa or Bust. Pakie treated the audience to a heart-warming evening celebrating the wit, warmth, and wonder of Eamon Kelly, one of Ireland’s greatest storytellers. Enjoy the photos, and thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating 40 years of Darrara Community Council!
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It was pure joy watching and listening to Pakie O’Callaghan bring the stories of seanchaí Eamonn Kelly to life on the stage of Darrara Community Centre on October 18th. He cast us back in time to the stations and the missions, tales of matchmaking, and life in rural Ireland at its best. A night filled with nostalgia, laughter, and the magic of storytelling that reminds us who we are. Check out the video below:  On Sunday, October 12th, we are inviting everyone to walk to Darrara Old School / Darrara Community Centre and quite literally walk in the footsteps of the children of 1887. It’s going to be a very special community day celebrating our history, our people, and the spirit of Darrara. 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!  Let’s fill the roads to Darrara Old School / Darrara Community Centre with smiles, stories, and colour, as we honour the generations who came before us.
Spread the word and bring your family, friends, and neighbours – everyone is welcome! Celebrations kick off at 2.30 pm with the unveiling of a new plaque and the official ribbon cutting of our exhibition. Read more about our 40th Anniversary Community Party & Historic Exhibition here: 40th Anniversary Community Party & Historic Exhibition - Darrara Community Centre What a wonderful Thrive Together Wellbeing Day we had on September 25th! We began with warm introductions from Finbarr Motherway – Chairperson of Muintir na Tíre Seminar Group Cork, who kindly sponsored the event. Sandra Good – Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Awareness Coordinator at the Cork Deaf Association – shared powerful insights on hearing loss, its impact on individuals and families, and the resources, tips, technology and supports that can truly make a difference. We then heard from the inspiring Kevin McCormack – Mental Health Peer Support Coach, Poet & Performer – who explored mental health through cucumbers, drains, and radiators . He encouraged us to:
We were delighted to have a packed house and welcome attendees from community groups across West Cork – Ballinascarthy, Ballinaspittle, Bandon, Clonakilty, Darrara, Kilbrittain, Rathbarry and more. We're so grateful to Muintir Na Tire, the HSE Ireland Cork Kerry Community Healthcare team, and the Cork Deaf Association for their support in making this day possible. Huge thanks also to Denis Kelly – Community Development Officer at Muintir na Tíre Cork – it was a pleasure to coordinate the event with him The day was topped off with tea & refreshments by our amazing catering team, a raffle with lots of great prizes, and fantastic entertainment by our musical friend Thomas O’Leary. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event such a positive, uplifting experience. Watch our Wellbeing Day video here: We're delighted to launch our Winter Schedule 2025/26, packed with activities and classes for all ages and interests. From fitness sessions, yoga, pilates, and céilí dancing, to art, crochet, and community groups, there’s something for everyone throughout the week. In addition, our gym is open daily, and we also have some very special events coming up to mark the 40th Anniversary of Darrara Community Council as a voluntary group. For the latest information, please see the Winter Schedule below, follow us on social media, and sign up to our newsletter:  Thrive Together: A Celebration of Community Wellbeing will take place in Darrara Community Centre on Thursday, 25th September, from 2:30 – 5:00 pm. Inspiring talks will be given by Sarah Good (Cork Deaf Association) and Kevin McCormack (Mental Health Peer Support Coach, Poet & Performer), followed by music and song with Thomas O’Leary, along with refreshments. There will also be a raffle with prizes to be won. This is a FREE event and all are welcome!  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. 👉 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.
Event details: 📍 Darrara Community Centre, Ballymacwilliam, Clonakilty, West Cork, P85 FV05. 📅 Sunday, October 12th, 2.30pm – 5pm 💶 Free entry – All are welcome! To celebrate 40 years of Darrara Community Centre and nearly 140 years since the Old School first opened, we’re inviting all young artists (up to age 12) to take part in our special children's colouring competion:  There are four categories - you choose which one you'd like to draw from:
Deadline to submit your art work: Tuesday, 30th September Submit entries to the Darrara Community Centre Post Box. Prizes for the winner in each category! All entries will be proudly displayed at our 40th Anniversary Community Party & Historic Exhibition on 12th October. Winning designs will be used for official Darrara Community Centre marketing purposes and cards (e.g. Christmas/Thank You), with proceeds going to support the centre and a local charity. Important: Artwork must be A4 size, with child’s name, age, category & parent/guardian signature on the back to verify it is your child's own original work. Let’s celebrate Darrara: Past, Present & Future through the creativity of our children! Info: 086-6011592 | [email protected] Terms & Conditions Apply - See below for more information.  Save the Date – Saturday 18th October! As part of our 40th Anniversary Celebrations, we’re excited to bring Pakie O’Callaghan’s acclaimed show 'A Celebration of the Stories of Eamon Kelly' to Darrara Community Centre, Clonakilty!  A warm, witty, and nostalgic tribute to Ireland’s beloved master storyteller Eamon Kelly, this one-man show is brought to life by one of Cork’s finest performers — Pakie O’Callaghan, known from RTÉ’s Bull Island, Funny Friday, and Santa Ponsa or Bust. This is not an impersonation — it’s Pakie’s own heartfelt interpretation of Kelly’s timeless tales. Whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or discovering these magical stories for the first time, this promises to be a night to remember! Where: Darrara Community Centre, Clonakilty When: Saturday 18th October Time: 8PM Tickets available now on Eventbrite: Mark your calendar, grab your tickets, and tell your friends — you won't want to miss this unforgettable evening of storytelling in West Cork!
We Want to Hear from You! Every five years, Darrara Community Council conducts a survey - the *Darrara Community Survey* - to better understand the needs of everyone in our community. We’re inviting your household to share your thoughts on local facilities , services , activities , education , and communication Your feedback will help shape future plans—and we’ll share the results with you. As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey and includes their email address will be entered into a draw to win one year of FREE gym membership at Darrara Community Gym. Your voice matters and your input is truly appreciated - Takes just 5 minutes to complete - We’re aiming for 250 household responses - Deadline: Wednesday, *30th April*  5 Minutes Of Your Time Can Change Our Community
Click here to take the survey: https://forms.gle/yZiZkawHDAwacxCX9 Please help us spread the word Thank you for helping us shape the future of our community, Darrara Community Council Celebrating 40 years as a voluntary group |
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