Thank you to Lisheen Mines

There was very good news for Cabragh Wetlands on Monday of last week, when John Elms, the General Manager of Lisheen Mines, Terry McKenna, Human Resources Manager, and Brian Keaty, Mine Manager, met the Trust’s Committee, supported by a good turn out of members, friends and several local groups who work closely with the Wetland Trust. After an introduction and welcome by the Chairman, Tom Grace, there was a presentation by three Committee members on the development, current work and future plans of the Trust. Michael Lowry TD, spoke about his pleasure in returning to invaluable local matters at the end of a tough day dealing with the national economic and political crisis. He has long been an admirer of the work of the Trust and his commitment and energy were instrumental in drawing attention of Lisheen Mines to the value of Cabragh’s work.
 
Mr Elms spoke of his surprise at and admiration for the extent of the Trust’s activities and ambitions, and acknowledged the importance of local and community organizations. He then handed a cheque for €50,000 to the Chairman. This extraordinarily generous donation shows the commitment of Lisheen Mines to the environment, and will be put towards completing the planned extension of the Centre, which should be underway early in the New Year. With this work finished, the Wetlands Trust should be in a position to extend its conservation, educational and recreational work, with a permanent exhibition in place and other facilities to help boost both tourism and local business in North and South Tipperary.
 
At a recent dinner in Borrisoleigh, North Tipperary CAVA (Community and Voluntary Associations) held its 2010 Annual Awards Evening. Community organizations from all over North Tipperary were present, with Awards given in several categories, including Environment, Youth and Sports, Economic, Social Inclusion, Arts, Culture and Heritage and Outstanding Achievement. The prizes were spread around the county, from Ballingarry to Lorrha, and Cabragh Wetlands was very pleased to win the Community Empowerment Award, reflecting the values of cooperation and local responsibility which are so essential if communities are to deal with the range of problems facing all of us at this difficult time.
 
To build on this, the Thurles branch of CAVA will be meeting at the Cabragh Wetlands Centre on Thursday 9th December at 8.00pm, when representatives from CAVA will give a presentation on the work of the organization, highlighting what it can offer in the way of training and support to all sorts of local voluntary organizations, from soccer clubs, to groups caring for the elderly, disabled or otherwise disadvantaged, to environmental supporters like Cabragh or Tidy Towns groups. If you are not affiliated to CAVA, you really should send someone along to this meeting and find out what you could gain – and, of course, how you might give even more effectively to your local community.