A number of years ago, Eastern Harps club identified the need to fill a vacuum created by organisations such an Macra na Feirme and the ICA ceasing to exist in the area. With an ageing population, a significant number of people were left socially excluded, especially those living alone and in sparsely populated areas.
With this in mind a public forum, sponsored by the club, was held in 2010 to identify how they could fill the void. With the help of feedback from questionnaires and consultation, this forum clearly indicated a gap in the community in the provision of broader social activities.
The club now sees itself as having a much broader role in the community with a view to offering facilities, events and programmes to encourage social inclusion. Their aim is to become a social hub for all in the community and to do everything they can to minimise marginalisation and encourage participation through the delivery of a range of initiatives.
The club has been supported by 2 different awards of LEADER Grant aid; one of €200,000 towards the completion of the Club house and community space and another grant of €24,828 towards developing remote working and conferencing facilities in the building.
The Club are also supported by the Rural Social Scheme who ensure the maintenance and caretaking of the full facility.
Funded by: LEADER and RSS
