Community spirit keeps Limerick preschool open after three decades

A cornerstone of early education in Killeedy is entering a new chapter, as the local community-run preschool and afterschool continues to thrive more than 30 years after first opening its doors.

Last weekend, the preschool celebrated its official reopening, with Minister Patrick O'Donovan in attendance along with Limerick City and County Councillors Adam Teskey, Tom Ruddle, Jerome Scanlon and Michael Collins.

Locals turned out in force for the happy occasion, which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony by local shopkeepers Mike and Margaret Keating and speeches from the committee, marking the next chapter in the school’s future.

Established about three decades ago, the preschool has long been woven into the fabric of the parish. Originally founded by a voluntary committee before later being run privately, 'The Old Girls’ School in Ashford is now home to Killeedy preschool and afterschool after being purchased from the Limerick Diocese, securing it's future for generations to come.

The building remains a hub of education and community life. The current committee now hopes to further develop the site with the support of the Limerick City and County Council, which provided initial start-up funding.

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“When the opportunity came up to purchase it, the community came together,” explained committee member Teresa Casey, who is joined by Maura Cremin , Noreen O Mahony and Laura McEnery on the team now managing the facility.

The committee was given the opportunity to buy back the property for a nominal fee of €10,000. Through a series of local fundraisers and an iDonate page, the money was successfully raised to complete the purchase.

Money raised form these community initiatives combined with Council support helped cover the cost of essential equipment and building upgrades. Since then, the facility has been run entirely on a not-for-profit basis, with all proceeds reinvested into the preschool and afterschool.

In the years since becoming community-led, the preschoool and afterschool has gone from strength to strength. “The preschool is absolutely flying,” said Teresa.

“It’s at full capacity, it’s thriving, there’s even a waiting list.”

Looking ahead, the committee has big ambitions for the future. Plans include creating a sensory playground, a small community library, and an outdoor room for after-school activities.

“The indoor space isn’t really suitable for the after-schoolers at the moment," Teresa said, “so we’re hoping to develop that side of it to make it a full community facility.”

While the preschool is at a high point, the committee remains realistic about the challenges ahead.

“Our goal is simple,” said Teresa.

“We want to keep developing it for the community, for the children here now, and for those who’ll come after them.”

Killeedy Preschool and Afterschool AGM will be held on Wednesday November 19th at 8:30 pm in The Old Girls Building (V42 R529). Members of the community , parents of the service and anyone looking to volunteer are welcome to get involved in this community project.