NATIONWIDE VISITS IRD DUHALLOW

Key Duhallow Services Highlighted In National TV Show

RTE’s Nationwide visited Duhallow once again. In the programme, the first half was devoted to IRD Duhallow and in particular the Duhallow Community Food service and Duhallow Community laundry.

Archival footage from the 1981 programme Hand Me Down showed Duhallow as a region losing inhabitants to immigration, the area in a stagnant state. With the establishment of IRD Duhallow, the region saw a much needed injection of energy and LEADER funding for employment and communities and enterprises.

The programme provided a showcase for the great achievements of the company and the great teams of workers behind these services and showed the huge benefit for the communities of Duhallow. Those familiar with IRD Duhallow would have recognised faces in the programme; IRD

Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh as well as Chairman Michael Twohig who spoke about the work of the voluntary board. Anita Castle, supervisor of the Community Laundry also took centre screen to discuss their work in the community laundry and the huge benefits it has for local people. Also featured on the show was Kanturk Courthouse.

For history buffs, the second half focused on the historic courthouse and the Bridewell in Kanturk and efforts made by the local restoration committee to preserve it. The Kanturk Bridewell acted as a holding base for prisoners, particularly during the war of independence. Afterwards, what was found on the cell walls were etchings made

by the prisoners. Many of them, not knowing their fate, made these markings as a sort of final message to loved ones, or a defiant “I was here” in the face of certain death. Today, they are now messages from the past. Efforts are being made to preserve the historic graffiti contained within its walls. Since the report was filmed, the restoration committee received good news regarding

the preservation project and are awaiting an announcement as of writing.

To quote the broadcast in relation to how wonderful Duhallow came across regarding the two subjects, “a community thrives when it cares for one another”.

Currently available to stream on the RTE Player - Episode title: Nationwide Wed 13 March 2024