Our History:
Founded in 1989, St Brigids Youth club as it was known then was a direct response by local parents to the lack of social and sporting opportunities available to young people in the area. The success of the club could be seen by the fact that within a few short months of its beginning it had amassed a membership of some 315 young people. The youth club continued at this level of succe
ss until the local Parochial Hall (the rental facility for the youth club - underwent a series of renovations forcing a reduction in the range of youth club activities on offer. Paradoxically, it was this period of reduced activity that really sparked the youth club committee into action. After careful consideration of the options available for the development of the club it was decided that a purpose built centre offered the best way ahead. It was at this point in the time that the adult population in the community started to look for activities, at first it was an interest in sporting activities but very soon members of the community started to seek educational opportunities and development opportunities. After visiting many youth clubs and community centres in Donegal, Derry and wider afield, it was decided that the building would have to be purpose built to serve all the identified needs in the community. A programme of fundraising had already started with donations being received from other local organisations and clubs in support. How best to move forward, was the question that the committee had to face at almost every meeting. So a public meeting was held and all of the local community were invited. A large crowd gathered and serious input was made by a large proportion of those who attended. As a result plans were drawn up and the decision that faced the committee was where to build. Land would have to be purchased. It was at this time that the local festival committee stepped in and very kindly offered a section of their land to the youth club and it was there that the growth from youth club to community centre truly began. Building began with a very substantial voluntary contribution from members of the community clearing the area and really getting involved. Groups of young people and qualified builders were assigned to the job as they were participants in a community youth training programme with FรS. This group of young people went on to complete the building under the supervision of the highly skilled local tradesmen. The centre itself was finally opened to the public on the 8th of October 1999 by Dr. James Mc Daid. Where we are now:
Clonmany Community Centre is now the vibrant heart of our local community. It has transformed into a space where members of all generations within the community can come together to meet, share, learn and receive help and support if needed. Our Centre works with all sectors of the community including children and young people, adults and older people and the wider Inishowen community helping to develop a more sustainable community and in turn help reduce inequalities through prevention and early intervention. We have developed a state of the art traditional craft training centre promoting local crafting techniques and offering local crafters a dedicated work space to develop their own craft businesses. Our Community is at the heart of everything we do, the centres impact on the local people and the wider community has been far-reaching. Our story really is a wonderful story to tell, a centre built by the community for the community providing space for an active, connected and vibrant locality.
