An Halla Mór, Dungloe are currently raising funds for a new floor by running a ‘Buy a Board’ fundraiser where you can buy a board for yourself, your family or in memory of a loved one.
The Old Parochial Hall served the people of Dungloe and surrounding areas for the most part of the 20th century.
Built in 1913, it has served the people well as a parish and a community venue for various social, cultural, recreational and historical events.
It was extensively used down through the decades for a host of community events such as concerts, cinema, bingo hall, Irish dancing, ballroom dancing, band practice, summer camps, badminton, homecoming events, the local GAA used it for training and it served as the home of the District Court for many years.
The Mary from Dungloe Festival committee also used it for various festival activities during their week long programme of events.
The highlight of the hall’s many uses was the annual ‘Fancy Dress Ball’ which was a big occasion up until the 1990’s and the Dungloe Amateur Boxing Club hosted boxing tournaments where upwards of 600 people packed into the hall to enjoy the sport.
Pádraig Mac Pairais also visited the hall in February of 1914 recruiting for the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood) to enlist volunteers to help with the cause.
Recently, the hall has fallen into disrepair and one of the many things it needs to bring it up to an acceptable standard is a new floor.
Work has already started and the old wooden floor has been removed but the next step is to raise much needed funds for a new replacement floor.
The Rosses Men’s Shed lifted the the old floor, they intend using the floorboards and joists in their workshop for future projects.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Committee Member Yvonne Gillespie said they have to raise 25 per cent of funds needed by the community to meet the funding criteria.
“This criteria is set down by the Leader programme, administered by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
“We have recently embarked on a ‘Buy a Board’ fundraising initiative whereby you can sponsor a floorboard for you, your family, or in memory of a loved one, with all proceeds going towards the refurbishment of the hall and floor.
“We will acknowledge each donation via an inscription of the name which will be on display at the hall,” she said.
Taking to Facebook, Kevin Bonner from Bonner’s Shop in Dungloe said he was on board with the fundraiser.
“My late Grandfather, Johnny Walsh was on the first committee of the parochial hall and would be proud, as I am, to see it being brought back to life again for the community,” he said.
Boards are €20 and can be purchased online @anhallamordungloe Facebook page.
All names will be proudly displayed in the entrance area of An Halla Mór when it reopens.
If you wish to make a donation visit https://www.klubfunder.com/…/An_Halla…/GeneralPayment
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