The Parish Hall

The plot of ground on which the Gaelic hall, now the Parish Hall was built was owned by the O’Gorman family, who had a cabbage garden practically on the banks of the river Arra. Mick Joe O’Gorman was an ardent Nationalist Irish Wander and a prominent member of the local branch of the Gaelic League. It is probable that that the idea of building this building was to give a focal point to the Irish Language, The Irish Culture and Cultural Activity in the area. It was believed that Mick Joe offered the plot at a bargain price for the above purpose.

Topographically the location to build it was very unsuitable as it sloped rather steeply from the road to the power bank, however it was purchased in the early 1920’s. When the Church opposite the site was going under reconstructions and renovations in 1922 Mick Joe arranged to have the debris from the church during it’s renovations, dumped on the slope to level it. The local branch of The Gaelic League raised a loan with the bank of Ireland and decided to go ahead with the building of what is now today the Parish Newcastle West. The loan was not large and said to have been about 1/3 of the contract price indicating a healthy financial situation for the local Craobh at that time. The loan was guaranteed by twelve people who included:

The Hall was built at a cost of £500 by local contractor Maurice Dee. His two loading men were Paddy Connors and Mick Mulcahy. The hall was built as a spacious one roomed building with three doors opening into the street and one at the north end leading to the rear.

The Parish Hall still plays an important cultural role in Newcastle West today. It facilitates local meetings and associations and also Bingo sessions.

For More Information Contact:
Newcastle West Library (069) 62273 or Call in to the Parish Hall