Kilworth native Dr Pádraig Ó Conchubhair (Dr Patrick O'Connor), has done Kilworth Community Council a considerable service by chronicling the life and times of this progressive voluntary group.
Formed as a guild of Muintir na Tire in 1959, the council has a history of unbroken service that continues to the present. Grappling with over 50 years of minute books, correspondence, treasurers' reports not to mention stacks of charming but faded old photographs can't have been easy and the tributes that came Pat's way at last Saturday night's launch in Kiworth Commnity Centre were well merited.
Pat took an active part in the night's proceedings giving a very informative presentation about the council's main achievements and its evolution over the years. The successful completion of several water schemes was and remains one of the council's finest hours.
A characteristic of the council and its personnel over the decades was pragmatism and a variety of ideas were 'bounced around' before a particular course of action was chosen. When it was agreed to act, there was a steely determination to see things through to completion - cautious pragmatism was also evident in the council's steadfastness in avoiding debt. Installing water infrastructure gave way to upgrading the village square, this led to activists redeveloping the market house. They then turned their attention to securing the old tennis club site, purchasing ground for a pitch and putt course, building a sports complex, renovating the community hall, erecting a children's playground, constructing Heaphy Grove, enhancing the village and so on (this is only a very brief summary of successfully completed projects).
While one can have a 'good run' with officers, the quality of top table volunteers over the years has been outstanding and the council's ability to headhunt key men/women for pivotal positions has been nothing short of extraordinary. Like every organisation throughout our island, fundraising is rarely off the agenda and careful use of finance has always been insisted upon. The end result is a village that rivals the best in the country.
Special guest at last Saturday night's launch was Muintir na Tire president, John Hogan who hails from nearby Ballyduff Upper. Mr Hogan was glowing in his praise of the council and its volunteers, who he said, 'personified the spirit of Muintir na Tire founder, Canon Hayes'.
Sean Hegarty, a former treasurer of the council, also lent his congratulations to Pat on compiling the book which was published by Fermoy Print & Design. In his contribution, Michael Dunne (a former chairman of the group) highlighted the role of women in advancing community council projects over the years and he urged the younger generation to become more involved.

MC for the event, which was co-ordinated by members of the festival committee, was Maura Kenny-Caplice who has held the position of chair since 2011. Maura did a very competent job on the night. She also had the pleasant task of presenting Pat O'Connor with a very attractive print by textile artist, Fiona Turley. Pat concluded proceedings by showing an old video of some major events in the village.
'50 Years & More - The Story Of Kilworth Muintir Community Council' by Pat O'Connor is available from council officers (paperback, €15, hardback €30). 

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