The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins visited Liscarroll on November 15th 2013 to officially open the new Liscarroll Community Childcare facility and Respond Housing Project for Older People.
President Michael D. Higgins accompanied by his wife Sabina was received enthusiastically in the local community. The President also visited the local national primary school, Liscarroll Community Council Limited Teach na Noige Childcare Facility, Respond Community Housing Projects, both located at Àrd an Chaisleàn, and finally the local Donkey Sanctuary all on the afternoon of the 15th November 2013
The President was welcomed to Àrd an Chaisleàn by Liam Fitzpatrick Chairman of Liscarroll Community Council Limited, Tina Hayes Manager of Crèche and Patrick Cogan, ofm Chief Executive Officer Respond and took an extensive tour of this compact estate which is comprised of Childcare Facility and ten homes for the elderly. Also present on this memorable day were representatives of numerous local clubs and dignitaries from the community.
During his tour the President unveiled two plaques to general applause from invited guests. He visited the home of Patricia Madigan, whose parents Helen and Paul were present, and was treated to a song at the Crèche from toddlers who had practised many times for their important performance.
Liscarroll Community Council Limited presented the President with a framed montage which represented aspects of the Presidents historical roots in Liscarroll. The community focus theme was continued by Respond who gifted the President and his wife with a specially commissioned wooden keepsake box engraved with an image of Liscarroll Castle plus a bowl, both were created by talented local craftsman Brian Brosnan.
Liam Fitzpatrick said: “We wished to give the President a personal memento from his visit here and we hope he will think of his visit to Liscarroll whenever he looks at the montage of memories.
The President was also treated to traditional entertainment by a group of local teenagers who really rose to the challenge and added to the sense of occasion.
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October 2013
Liscarroll Community Council Limited and Respond are delighted to announce that President Michael D. Higgins has accepted an invitation to officially open the new Liscaroll Community Childcare facility and Respond Housing Project for Older People next month on November 15th 2013.
The development at Árd an Chaisleáin is located at the heart of Liscarroll and has a state of the art new community childcare facility and ten new houses for Older People. The Community Childcare Facility is operated by the Community Council Limited and provides a fantastic childcare service to Liscarroll and seven other nearby communities. The facility was funded by Pobal and built by Murphy New Homes Builders, Banteer. Teach Na Noige now caters for 60 children ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years and includes a preschool and afterschool service.
The houses were acquired by Respond in 2011, with the support of Cork County Council and funding from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Built by Buckley Brother Builders, Ballydesmond, the scheme was developed initially by Liscarroll Housing Association Limited and then transferred to Respond
Àrd an Chaisleàin, Liscarroll, is up and running since January 2012 and is the newest development of housing for Respond in the Cork area. The peaceful location, adjacent to the Donkey Sanctuary, provides an ideal home for older persons and a perfect location for childcare, giving a panoramic view of Liscarroll castle.
The visit of President Higgins’ is a great opportunity for the Liscarroll community and the residents of Àrd an Chaisleàin to exhibit the pride they have in their fabulous new homes and celebrate the busy local modern community childcare facility. Resident Sean Keating stated:
“Ard an Chaisleáin is a quiet and peaceful place to live, it is well kept, we look after the place and one another. We are delighted the President is coming to see our homes”
Further details of the official opening ceremony will be announced closer to the time. For the minute we hope everyone in the locality will mark the date in their calendar.
ABOUT LISCARROLL COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Liscarroll Community Council Limited is a non-profit voluntary organisation and all revenue is used to provide the best service possible for the children and parents that access the childcare facility. All the staff are fully qualified professionals. The board consists of seven members who are all unpaid volunteers.