A major milestone was marked in Cappoquin on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, as the town celebrated the official opening and blessing of a new €450,000 extension to the Cappoquin Childcare Facility.

The ribbon was cut by Bill Murphy, a former pupil of the facility and now a U-19 world rowing champion. He was joined by Dr Ben Murphy, Chairperson of Cappoquin Community Development Company, and Ms Maria Uniacke, Manager of Cappoquin Childcare Service. Minister Mary Butler TD was among those in attendance, along with local councillors John Pratt, Niamh O’Donovan, and Donncha Mulcahy, staff members, committee representatives, and members of the wider community. Apologies were received from Minister Cummins and Deputy McGuinness.

Children from the facility, their parents, and local guests also gathered to celebrate the occasion, which was blessed by Fr Keogh, PP Cappoquin.

In his address, Dr Ben Murphy welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to all those who helped bring the project to completion. He thanked the contractors, Marlhill Construction, and engineer Enda Kirwan, as well as the Childcare Committee “for bringing this work to fruition.” He also referenced the ongoing refurbishment work in the town by Cappoquin Regeneration Company and highlighted “the need for a public car park and additional lands to be zoned for housing developments.”

Speaking on behalf of the Childcare Committee, Marian Looby reflected on the importance of the service to the local community. She praised the team’s dedication, saying she wanted to “thank the staff for their commitment and professionalism in caring for up to 130 children each week.” She also extended appreciation to the administrative staff “who work in the background providing the necessary supports to the staff.”

Minister Mary Butler TD commended the local organisations for their vision and effort. She “congratulated Cappoquin Community Development Company and Cappoquin Childcare Service in having the foresight to build this childcare extension and providing such a large essential facility for the parents and children in the area.”

She went on to applaud the voluntary work carried out from Cappoquin Community Centre, calling it “an excellent example for other such organisations to follow.” The Minister also spoke about the wider regeneration of the town, noting “the extensive refurbishment work being undertaken to former derelict properties” and said she looked forward to returning upon its completion.

Later in the day, Manager Maria Uniacke presented a gift to Bill Murphy in recognition of his role in performing the ribbon cutting. The ceremonial cake was then cut by Deputy Manager Laura O’Rourke, joined by children from the service — a fitting symbol of the next generation who will benefit from the new facility.

The Cappoquin Childcare Facility, located within the Cappoquin Community Centre, now accommodates over 130 children each week — from infants as young as nine months to school-age children. The centre also runs after-school and holiday programmes, operating from 8am to 6pm, five days a week, for 51 weeks of the year.

The service employs 25 staff in full and part-time positions, representing an annual wage bill of more than €600,000. Combined with local spending, this contributes almost €1 million to the local economy each year.

The €450,000 project — which included both the new extension and upgrades to the existing facility — was funded by Cappoquin Community Development Company with support from the Tomar Trust. The design was led by EKCE Engineering, with construction completed by Marlhill Construction of Ardfinnan.

Cappoquin’s childcare services date back to 1981, moving to the Community Centre in 2005. The newly expanded facility is described as a “state-of-the-art” centre that continues that long tradition.

Staff were thanked for their “efforts in supporting the education of the children in their care” and for their “patience during construction work,” which at times caused unavoidable disruption. The local community also received warm appreciation “for their support over the years,” with hopes expressed that the service “will continue for many years to come.”

A special mention was made for Mary McGrath, who curated an extensive photographic display celebrating every child who has attended childcare in Cappoquin since 1981 — a nostalgic tribute to the generations who have passed through the doors of the centre.

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