Hike to new heights to save Limerick village’s former school

A LOCAL community is moving heaven and earth to save a building that pre-dates the State and was part of the parish oratory.

Montpelier Community Centre committee is raising funds to redevelop the old school attached to the community centre.

This school has been at the heart of the community since 1898. It served as a primary school until the 1960s and later as part of the parish oratory.

However, in recent years, it has fallen into disrepair and, unfortunately, dry rot has now taken hold of this important local building. The community centre committee is urgently seeking the public’s help to fund a dry rot treatment.

On this Saturday, April 20, their annual fundraiser The Triple Peak Challenge will take place and they are welcoming people to climb three local peaks with them on the day – Millennium Cross, Moylussa, and the 12 O’Clock Hills.

Committee chairperson, Paul Slattery, said they urgently “need your help to save our community hall and the old school”.

“We’ve lots of plans for the future and how we can open up this space to young and old but for now we need to preserve the building.

“We can’t wait to see lots of new and familiar faces on the day so be sure to round up your family, friends and neighbours for this community event,” said Paul.

It is the perfect opportunity to find new walking routes as well as raising money for a good cause.

READ MORE: Wife of late Limerick rugby star dedicates charity hike to his memory

Attendees can choose from one, two or all three hikes so everyone is able to get involved, and all information can be found on the Montpelier O’Briensbridge Community Centre Facebook Page.

Paul says if you can’t make the hikes, you can still donate to the cause by going to www.gofundme.com and searching, Save Montpelier Hall – Triple Peak Challenge.

The three walks are: Millennium Cross (6km) departs 8am at Graves of the Leinster Men car park; Moylussa 532m (10km) depart 10.30 am from Ballycuggaran car park and 12 O'Clock Hills 309m (8km) leaves at 3pm, Belvoir Trailhead car park.

Music by River in Bonner's Bar, O’Brien’s Bridge, from 9pm afterwards if hikers fancy a well-deserved thirst quencher.