Renovations are “well under way” at an iconic Laois with Committee members saying “its appearance has not met the club’s usual standards” in recent years.
The Mountmellick Macra Hall holds a special place in many a heart in the town, hosting everything from summer camps to Irish Dancing events to plays, fashion shows, teenage discos and much much more.
But parts of the Macra Hall have fallen into disrepair over the years, with the Committee describing “a significant leak and damage above the stage area,” which they say has “progressively worsened over the past few years, resulting in extensive water damage and unsightly damp patches throughout the hall.”
Several rounds of remedial work on the roof has been carried out over the years, but such is the damage to the roof, the Committee have begun a “massive undertaking to replace the roof” which has resulted in the “short term closure” of the hall.
Chairperson of the building subcommittee, Ursula Coyle Dunne, explained: “For the past few years, the club has battled a major leak in the main roof of the hall and we feared for the hall in times of inclement weather, especially as there has been an number of storms and heavy rainfall this past winter.
“Unfortunately, if the work did not commence, the hall would have been closed for the winter months for safety reasons.
“Local builders Derrycloney Developments are in the process of replacing the entire roof, including the installation of insulation and soundproofing.
“Like many buildings of its era, there was asbestos sheeting over the roof in the main hall. This has now been removed and is being exported to Germany in line with the Environmental Protection Agencies regulations.
“This part of the project alone is at a huge expense.”
Mountmellick Macra were recent recipients of grant funding to the sum of €100,000 through the Community Centre Investment Fund to assist the project.
However, due to the “complexity of the project,” the final cost has yet to be determined but is anticipated to be approximately €185,000, which the Committee called “a massive amount” for a voluntary organisation to raise.
The club has prepared for this project by fundraising for the past few years, including the 2023 Light Up Truck and Tractor Run, pantomimes, table quizzes and church gate collections.
“The Macra Hall has been a hub in the town for many years,” Ms Coyle Dunne said.
“A lot of people have fond memories of the hall, whether attending meetings, discos, events, shows, playing badminton or a meeting place for friends.
“It has served our community for almost 50 years, and we are
always happy to open our doors to other organisations in the area.
“However, the hall is now in need of significant renovations to continue its vital role. It is now the only community hall
remaining in Mountmellick town and the planned renovations will enhance our hall and future proof it for generations to come.”
The Macra Hall Committee are in the process of contacting current and former members to ask if they can “support this project financially,” with Ms Coyle Dunne saying “a concerted effort from our community and membership is essential” to completing the works.
Anyone who is in a position to make a donation, is asked to please contact Ursula Coyle Dunne on 087 4166 969.
“The names of all donors regardless of amounts will be acknowledged in a specially commissioned frame in the hall,” Ms Coyle Dunne said.
“Together, we can create a restored Macra Hall that will benefit our members and community for years to come.
“Mountmellick Macra extends its thanks to the residents of Patrick Street for their continued support over the years. Their support and permission have been essential in allowing builders access to the Hall to carry out these important works.
“We look forward to welcoming our patrons back to hall as soon as possible.”
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