A Celebration of Volunteering Across the Ballyhoura Region

On the evening of May 20^th over 140 volunteers from across the Ballyhoura region came together at The Millennium Centre in Caherconlish in celebration of volunteering and impact it has on individuals and communities.

The event was held during National Volunteer Week, and the 2026 theme of ‘from every corner for every cause’ was well represented by the diversity of activities and geography in the room, with volunteers from Newtownshandrum to Castleconnell and all points in between present to celebrate together and a fantastic display of arts, crafts and planting by Doon & District Men’s Shed, Mulcair Men’s Shed, Cappamore Women’s Shed and Herbertstown Men’s Shed in the room for all to enjoy.

The evening kicked off with a welcome from Jess Angland, the volunteer Chairperson of the voluntary Board of Ballyhoura Development who thanked everyone present for the incredible work they do and the impact it has across Ballyhoura. Ben Kiely from the University of Limerick then gave a presentation introducing Givebackathon – an event which sees Immersive Software Engineering (ISE) students spend an intense day solving real-world technical problems for local charities and social enterprises and let attendees know how they could get involved. This was followed by a screening of “The Pub That Refused to Die” – how Kilteely saved their last pub, first shown at Dublin International Film Festival earlier this year.

A roving mic’ session followed, kicking off with a conversation with the committee from The Street Bar in Kilteely and following with contributions from Doon & District Men’s Shed, Blasta Community Café, Granagh Development, Herbertstown Hub, Cappamore Women’s Shed, Newtownshandrum Tidy Towns, Kilteely Tidy Towns and others – the discussion highlighted the breadth of work, the numbers of people taking part and the positive impact that getting involved has on individuals. Also during the evening guests were invited to create a Thank You Tree highlighting their gratitude to other volunteers in their communities.

The keynote speech was given by John Lonergan former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, renowned speaker, and author. John spoke of his passion for community, for volunteerism and of its importance to identity, belonging, sense of place and community cohesion. He also spoke of the importance of succession in ensuring that communities continue to thrive and to involve all in their valuable work.

Ann Dwyer of Blasta Community Café said “We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and it was lovely to hear so many inspiring speakers.” 

Three beautiful songs followed, performed by Mulcair Men’s Shed Choir, the choir have been singing together since 2017 and their passion and talent shone through with everyone present moved by and thoroughly enjoying their performance. The evening closed with socialising, forming new connections, sharing experiences and meeting old friends fuelled by sandwiches and tea from the staff and volunteers of The Millennium Centre and cakes baked and served by Blasta Community Café.

Eileen McCabe, Development Officer for Ballyhoura Development said “It was a great opportunity for us to welcome everyone to the North East district of Ballyhoura Development, volunteering is hard but so rewarding and our event proved that.”

Ballyhoura Development would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard across our region and make such an impact on transforming our communities. Thank you.

This event supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through social connection and community participation; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by strengthening local communities and volunteerism; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration and shared community action across the Ballyhoura region.