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FREEMOUNT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 50TH ANNIVERSARY: Mass, Memories And Music
Freemount Community Development recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the building of their Community Centre in style, with a number of events over the weekend.
Friday Opening Night
The night was opened with a special mass in the Community Centre in memory of all those involved in its construction who had gone to their eternal reward. Following the mass, Chairman Michael O’Regan officially opened the festival weekend by giving some background to what led to this weekend being organised. He remembered the volunteers who built the hall in a period of four months and all the committee members from 1975 to date who continue to maintain the community centre and all the surrounding facilities.
A special commemorative plaque was unveiled by Liam Murphy, the chairman of Freemount Community Council in 1975, which was then blessed by Fr. Manning. Both Liam Murphy and PJ O’Sullivan recalled in some detail the fantastic work done in 1975 and had some entertaining stories to tell of how a bunch of building rookies managed to build the Community Centre in four months.
A celebration cake made by Annie Healy was cut by PJ O’Sullivan, Liam Murphy and Michael O’Regan.
The new book “Freemount Community Development – A Journey Through The Years” was launched with author John O’Flynn giving an insight into the book which traced the history of Freemount Community Development from its foundation in 1948 as Muintir na Tíre to the present day.
A 20 minute video produced by Con O’Connor from a video taken originally by the late Richard Green was shown capturing amongst other events, the building of the hall in 1975, the old carnivals and President Childers’ visit to Freemount in 1974 for the opening of the Community Field.
Entertainment on the night was provided by Freemount Comhaltas, Freemount Macra and Freemount Music & Drama group which was enjoyed by the very large attendance, many of whom were relatives of those involved in 1975 who no longer reside in the parish.
Saturday Night Dance
A great crowd came to the Community Centre on Saturday night and enjoyed the music by The Gallivanters who were supported by our own local girls Éabha & Kelly.
Sunday Family Fun Day
With the Family Fun Day having to be held indoors because of the inclement weather, the Committee was out early on Sunday morning to sort the hall after the dancing the previous night. Trojan work was done in getting the hall ready for the bouncy castles, games and all the stall holders. It proved to be a very enjoyable day with a great atmosphere in the close surroundings.
Fancy Dress Parade
There was an amazing turnout for the parade – the first in Freemount in 14 years. The judges were Nancy Lehane, the Cork Rose and Derry and Maureen Fleming of Tik Tok fame.
A special mention for Liscarroll Community Council for entering a float. Thankfully the bad weather held off for the duration of the parade. It was a lovely sight to see all the local people lining the road from the Creamery to the Community Centre where the winners were announced. The winners were: Float – Freemount Women’s Shed Reeling in the Years from 1975 to 2025, Adults – Danny Healy Rea supports Freemount’s 50th Anniversary, and Children – “Freemount Rose” Rita McCarthy and “Cork Rose” Emma Buckley.
We wish to thank everyone who came out to support the events over the weekend and especially thank you to those no longer living in Freemount who came back to reminisce and catch up with old friends and families. A big thank you to the stewards and all who helped in any way over the weekend and in particular to all of our organising committee members who put in trojan work over several weeks to bring this celebration weekend to fruition. It is great to see that volunteerism is alive and well in our little village of Freemount.
A special thank you to all of our sponsors who so generously gave raffle prizes or financial contributions to help with the weekend’s costs. Thanks also to Pat O’Hara for videoing all events over the weekend. A DVD/USB will be available to purchase for €15 which will also include the video shown on Friday night of the building of the hall and carnivals in past years.
The book, “A Journey Through The Years” is also available to purchase for €15. Both can be ordered from Josephine O’Flynn on 087 2255757 or will be available to purchase from the local shop and creamery.
