Michael D Higgins opens Ballinrobe Community Garden

Sun glistens at opening of Ballinrobe Community Garden by Michael D


Trevor Quinn

The word Tacú meaning ‘support’ was nowhere more evident than in Ballinrobe on Tuesday last as the Ballinrobe Community Garden was officially opened by Presidential nominee Michael D Higgins and Mayo TD John O’Mahony.
As the sun glistened off the new Ballinrobe focal point, a large crowd congregated to pay homage to the completion of the beautiful garden which lies directly behind the church on the Main Street.
A jovial atmosphere was heightened by the presence of popular former Galway West TD and Deputy O’Mahony, who were both given a very warm welcome by those present.
The Tacú  Family Resource Centre provides support services for the local people of Ballinrobe and the surrounding areas. The organisation aims to improve the standard of living by providing a confidential, non-judgemental and helpful services to families and individuals.
Organising committee member and administrator Michelle Walshe said the opening was a great success and she was also delighted that the opening coincided with the launch of the ‘Unemployed in Ballinrobe’ booklet which was recently published for the local area.
The booklet aims to help unemployed people to cope more effectively with unemployment and it gives practical advice and information on how best to deal with the situation and restore confidence and self-esteem. It is hoped the book will be of benefit people who are struggling with unemployment in Ballinrobe and the surrounding hinterland.
A number of Tacú participants worked on the community garden and their fine efforts were much appreciated by everybody on the day of the official opening. The garden not only incorporated dedicated community orientation but it also gave unemployed participants an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and contribute to a very worthwhile project.
Tacú Administrator Michelle Walshe said the garden which is located at the back of Ballinrobe Church will be a welcome resource for the town for many years to come. She added that the initiative has proven to be very successful since its inception in March and has facilitated a horticultural training course. Funding for the project was obtained from the Department of Social Protection and the South West Mayo development company. Well done to everyone who was involved.