A MAJOR fundraising drive is under way in the coastal village of Butlerstown to futureproof a building that’s been at the heart of the community since the 1800s.

The building dates back to 1877 and was a national school until 1974, and prior to this a church occupied the site.

It’s synonymous for many people as being the venue for the hugely popular Butlerstown Variety Shows which attracted nightly audiences of 200 for its traditional six-night runs, and holds a very special place in many hearts for this reason.

It’s also used by the Coastguard for meetings, along with being a venue for various classes including pilates and a local friendship club for older residents.

However, recent storms and general wear and tear had left its mark on the structure, and Butlerstown community association found themselves at a crossroads: let it slip into decline, or step up and preserve the beloved building for future generations.

The second option was the only option, and the group were successful in securing government grant aid to the value of €100,000 which has allowed them re-roof its hall.

Rewiring works are currently underway, and nearly complete.

Community association chairman Michael Coleman explained to The Southern Star how over the last few years, the roof has been patched up and repaired, as best they could.

‘Initially we had been talking about doing some works inside the hall, but we realised that we needed to tackle the outside first.

‘We were lucky to get that grant from the Community Centre Investment Fund through the Department of Rural and Community Development, and we’ve given ourselves a six-month target to raise the remaining sum of €50,000,’ said Michael.

The hall, he said, is an integral part of the community and it’s vital that they protect and preserve it for future generations.

‘It’s important that we keep the doors open. So many people use it and would be lost without it, particularly as this is a rural area,’ he said.

Local historian Michael O’Brien went to school there and remembers how it was also used as a venue for plays and concerts on Sunday nights.

‘This was at the turn of the century, and it was very important as a social outlet,’ he said. Michael also remembered how the hall was the venue for the variety shows the community performed, and which he and his family were very involved in.

‘It’s so important as it provides social facilities for the community,’ he said.

Lawrence O’Donovan, treasurer of the association, also went to school in the hall.

‘Old buildings by their nature fall into disrepair. It had come to the stage that we either let it go or do something about it, but it’s at the heart of Butlerstown, and over the years so much has happened there so now we’re appealing for support to help us raise the last €50,000,’ he said.

Butlerstown resident Siobhan O’Mahony, whose renovation of the village’s former post office featured on RTÉ’s Great Home Revival presented by celebrity architect Hugh Wallace, is hosting an event called ‘Harvest Moon’ in aid of the community centre. It takes place on Saturday November 1st and promises to be an evening of wine tasting, grazing boards and entertainment.

See social media for ticket information.