By Earl Meek

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Galtees’, Kilbehenny can now truly be considered as the ‘gateway to improved opportunity’.

Last Thursday night saw the grand opening of the newly refurbished and improved community centre which has served this bustling community well so for many years.

In celebration of the completion of the centre, locals flocked to the unveiling and partook along with the committee and workers who have made this possible, in viewing the completed building.

Winner of the Small Town Studio Projects, the centre can now offer a fabulous new computer room where groups can utilize state of the art equipment and surroundings.

There is a brand new kitchen as well as the acoustically treated main hall which holds badminton, ballroom dancing, bingo, social dancing, Irish dancing and hip hop classes as well as drama classes, bingo and much, much more.

Open from 8am till 11pm seven days a week, the centre also has a removable stage which can be utilised for fashion shows and other such events.

Although open now to the locals, there are two or three more small jobs still to be completed. What is remarkable though, is the fact that it is already debt free.

Treasurer Moss Fitzgerald, pointed to the fact that this has become a reality thanks to the huge effort of both local residents and the people of the Small Town Design Studios who all helped to carry out and complete the work. He also spoke of his gratitude and thanked the people who made it possible for their time given, and for the fact that they continue to give it.

"There is always room for more volunteers to come on board and for people to continue the ideas already put in place over the next 5 years."

The facility also has showers available for visitors who have, perhaps, been enjoying themselves by working up a sweat during Karate classes which are held there regularly.

It was a large turn out which showed the spirit and coming together of a community in what have been hard times for all recently.

The centre is very active with at least three events taking place on a nightly basis. New members and visitors are always welcome.

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