Knockanore’s success in building a top quality indoor sports hall continues apace with a donation from Tallow Credit Union marking its initiative. Credit union representatives travelled to Knockanore last weekend to hand over a €2,000 cheque to members of the KGK (Knockanore-Glandine-Kilwatermoy) Sports Committee. Report Christy Parker

Costing €600,000, the hall, adjacent to Knockanore national school, evolved from an aspiration five years ago. Assisted by funding from the National Lottery and Clar, the plan reached fruition when builders Aqualine Ltd., Cappoquin completed construction in Sept 2008, although it was officially opened by MEP Brian Crowley last May. “Phase 1 involved construction, was landscaping, paining and kitting it out to a certain degree,” says KGK Community Sport chairman Mike O’Neill.

School students, local sports bodies and women’s groups have been using the facility for a variety of purposes, including indoor hurling, soccer and general training as well as ladies’ PE classes. Now, Phase 2, with further funding from Waterford Leader Partnership, promises to extend its remit considerably. “We intend to acquire a stage, seating, lighting bar, etc. to make it amenable for drama and the arts,” say Michael. “We’d also hope though that other sports groups, such as volleyball and basketball organisations from within and outside the parish avail of it,” he adds of what he described as “a hall that’s paid for.”

Tallow Credit Union.

At the recent ceremony, Michel acknowledged Tallow Credit Union’s “unwavering commitment and assistance to the communities in its common bond area and thanked them for this most recent donation.

For her part, Tallow Credit Union’s spokeswoman Angela Leahy said it was “an honour and a pleasure to return the compliment to the Knockanore community, who have always supported us.” She added that her organisation was committed to a three-year sponsorship programme and, having “contributed over €250,00 to local groups over the past three years, we want to reassure communities that we are here for them.”

In a brief summary, Angela outlined further enhancements in a credit union that is “going from strength to strength.” She spoke of extended opening hours to include lunch times and the recently launched Credit Union ATM Card. Which “is proving particularly popular with younger people and students.” A new scholarship scheme is imminent for 2010/11, which should alleviate problems associated with the Third Level fees atrocities!

It need hardly be mentioned that Tallow Credit Union, in its 31st year, 300 members, €9,523 in shares and assets of over €19m, continues to provide a wide range of financial services for a particularly rural community. These include lending schemes based on car, baby and farmer requirements –not that all three don’t occur simultaneously either.

Inquiries regarding Knockanore hall: 087- 9675399 (voluntary line -open 7pm—9pm, text messages all other times).

Tallow Credit Union: (058) 56289; www.tallowcu.ie