Halla Eoin

The Halla Eoin Project

Next to the Church of the Little Ark in Kilbaha is the newly renovated Halla Eoin.

Built in 1873, it was the National School until 1963, when the new school was opened. For the next few decades the building served as a community hall; a space for tea dances, school plays, youth clubs, discos and a playgroup. By 2018 time and weather had taken its toll and the hall was in a state of disrepair.

At a public meeting of Kilballyowen Development in late 2018, there was strong feeling that the building, which had been for so long at the heart of the community, should not be abandoned.  Cllr. Gabriel Keating pledged substantial funding towards restoring the building.

A committee of local residents was formed that very evening and over the next three years took the project through design, planning and a successful application for further funding from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The local community, people with family links to Kilbaha, Cllr Cillian Murphy, as well as bodies such as Limerick Prison and local businesses donated generously towards the purchase of equipment.

Kilballyowen Development took on a long-term lease from the Diocese of Killaloe. The support of the Parish Council, represented by Fr. Michael Casey, was a crucial element in the success of the project.

Despite being delayed by a global pandemic, the building work was completed in December 2021. A complete makeover has transformed the building into a multi-purpose, welcoming space for both the community and visitors. With a new fitted kitchen, an audio-visual system, stage, central heating and fully accessible toilet facilities, and a main hall of 87 sq m. it now serves as an ideal venue for classes, quiz nights, presentations, talks, social events, parties and much more.

A new front lobby is the entrance to the Heritage Display, which tells the story of the Little Ark. This small, wooden structure, now in the church next door, holds in its timeworn, fragile frame the legacy of the Penal Laws, which resulted in open hostility between Catholic and Protestant. It is the story of the conflict between wealth and poverty, between the powerful and the dispossessed, between control and influence. It was as well a battle for the hearts and minds of the public, not just in Kilbaha, but across the world. Great interest is also generated by the photographs of past pupils of the school. The display is open in the summer months.

The work of the committee continues in organising a calendar of events and activities for all ages as well as fundraising for the maintenance of the building.

Events are promoted on Facebook, local radio, the parish newsletter and posters.

If you are interested in a class, or would like to book the hall contact us on:

Email: hallaeoinkilbaha@gmail.com

Tel: 087 385 6659

Facebook: Halla Eoin Kilbaha