Nominee for Best Community Enterprise

Cultúrlann MacAmhlaoibh

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The Cultúrlann MacAmhlaoibh is a unique enterprise - it is the first dedicated heritage and resource centre specifically for and by a Gaelic clan in their ancesteral home lands. But it is not just for McAuliffes.

The Cultúrlann MacAmhlaoibh, which translates to McAuliffe Cultural Centre, stands where the protestent church once stood. Cultérlann’s are used as spaces to celebrate culture, language, and often serve as a space to express that culture.

Use of the old church has its own benefits - the size of the structure and the open space has turned to a stage and can easily be readjusted for a variety of activities. As well as this, the church is positioned on a hill, and when passing by, it’s hard not to be in awe of the scale and the beauty of it. The extension to the back now serves as a visitor and welcome space, and adds to the already magnificent size of the church.

Since it opened its doors, it’s been home to just about everything from concerts and fairs to a Halloween celebration! The centre aims to encourage and develop and appreciation for our heritage, history, and language for all ages at home and abroad. The Wall of Remembrance is a key feature of the building. It tells the story of struggle, tragedy, and triumph for past McAuliffes that the living McAuliffes dare not forget. Future generations can add to this with tales of those now or those not even born yet.

The efforts to restore the building have been observed through the years and have been partially recorded online. While the chieftain, John Paul, sadly passed away in the summer of 2022 and did not get to see the finished project, the buildings restoration was born of his sheer love for the town. His presence lingers now in the building and the town, and the ripple of such a labour of love cannot be forgotten. His daughter Julie best summed it up when she said “there’s no price on the love of your homeland”.

The scope of work undertaken from 2021 was extensive, including replacing windows, floors, the roof, and the top wall, along with an extension and a variety of facilities. The cultúrlann aims to thrive going to the future and to maintain its stamp as a cultural and social centre for the locality. There’s just as much hope that they’ll put Duhallow on the map!