Knocklong Developmet: An Essay by the community

“When the world seems large and complex, we need to remember that great world ideas all begin in some home neighbourhood” Konard Adenauer. In 1974 at the launch of a community project Knocklong Development Association produced a brochure that quoted these words. In 1973 Knocklong Development Association (KDA) was formed with a purpose to create jobs and getting real life back to the village. Since its inception the KDA has strived to be innovative, forward thinking and above all community oriented.

The first venture was “Rent an Irish Cottage”. The cottages, which became known as the "Thatch Cottages", were rented to tourists and over time sold to local families. The next venture was developing an IDA factory which created 15 jobs. On 13th May 1974, on the 55th anniversary of the Rescue of Sean Hogan, the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the "Rescue" attracted over a 1000 people from the length and breadth of Ireland. In 1979, Knocklong Sports Field was opened and in 1980 Knocklong Community Centre opened its doors. Spearheaded by the KDA, a credit union was open in Knocklong in 1984. Throughout the 1990's and 2000s the association maintained the community centre, the sports field, ran winter auctions, summer gala weekends and in 1999 the community centre was home to Little Scholars Montessori.

In November 2010 the community centre in Knocklong was forced to close when asbestos was found in the ceiling of the centre. In early 2011 over 20 people joined the KDA and developed a Community Centre Restoration project. With the help of Ballyhoura Development and the people of Knocklong funding was received to restore the facility and in Summer 2012 our community centre reopened.

Under the guidance of Ballyhoura Development and Limerick & Tipperary Institute of Technology Knocklong went through a process of community planning. Two public meetings were held in September 2012 to discuss issues that concerned the people of Knocklong. The plan was a chance for the community to come together to develop a vision for Knocklong - a shared vision. In 2013 the Plan for Knocklong was launched, the issues discussed were divided into seven work areas;

· Services for Children and Young People

· Leisure and Recreation

· Services for People in the Community

· Employment and Enterprise

· The Natural and Built Environment

· Community Safety

· Tourism History and Heritage

Some of our achievements so far are;

· Knocklong Parent and Toddler Group

· Establishment of Elton Tidy Towns

· A Community Notice Board, Website and Facebook Page

· CV Skills Course

· Staging of a one act play -"Waking Romeo"

· Actions towards improving dereliction

· History and Community Weekend

· Graveyard Survey and Mapping

· A feasibility study which revealed the potential behind the development of a museum in Knocklong Railway Site.

Since 2010, the community of Knocklong has seen great change and over the next few years as projects come to fruition Knocklong will hopefully achieve its full potential and be a leading light in community development.

“When the world seems large and complex, we need to remember that great world ideas all begin in some home neighbourhood” Konard Adenauer. In 1974 at the launch of a community project Knocklong Development Association produced a brochure that quoted these words. In 1973 Knocklong Development Association (KDA) was formed with a purpose to create jobs and getting real life back to the village. Since its inception the KDA has strived to be innovative, forward thinking and above all community oriented.

The first venture was “Rent an Irish Cottage”. The cottages, which became known as the "Thatch Cottages", were rented to tourists and over time sold to local families. The next venture was developing an IDA factory which created 15 jobs. On 13th May 1974, on the 55th anniversary of the Rescue of Sean Hogan, the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the "Rescue" attracted over a 1000 people from the length and breadth of Ireland. In 1979, Knocklong Sports Field was opened and in 1980 Knocklong Community Centre opened its doors. Spearheaded by the KDA, a credit union was open in Knocklong in 1984. Throughout the 1990's and 2000s the association maintained the community centre, the sports field, ran winter auctions, summer gala weekends and in 1999 the community centre was home to Little Scholars Montessori.

Mary Harty 2016