Before the Community Centre ever existed, an empty house on Friar’s Walk, near Tory Top Park, known as ‘The Clubhouse’, was a place where young people could hang out and play darts, ping-pong, cards or do some boxing. In 1969, the local Meals on Wheels based itself there, and later, there were gardening, culture and cookery classes.
At a meeting in 1968, it was decided to build a community centre for the parish. Funds were raised over the next few years with house-to-house collections, and events like the gymkhana that raised £700, or the ‘Big Walk’ with 600 locals which raised the same amount.
Finally, at a total cost of £60,000, Ballyphehane Community Centre was opened in November 1972.ThenTaoiseach, Jack Lynch, performed the official opening, and the parish priest at the time, Fr. Bernard O’Flynn blessed the new centre.
Ballyphehane Community Centre is home to many sporting, cultural and social groups, and is available for all kinds of uses. Bingo draws huge crowds on Wednesday and Friday nights at 8pm. There is also a Wellness Centre and Community Café on the premises.
If you are involved in one of the groups who uses the Community Centre, and you would like to add your information to the Heritage Pod, contact Ballyphehane 1916-2016 Commemoration Committee on Facebook.
