Manorhamilton

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Manorhamilton Cluainín Uí Ruairc
Location
WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: 54°18′23″N 8°10′34″W / 54.3064, -8.1761
Irish grid reference G885397
Statistics
Province:	Connacht
County:	County Leitrim
Elevation:	69 m
Population (2006)	1,158[1]

Manorhamilton (Irish: Cluainín Uí Ruairc, meaning O'Rourke's small meadow) is a small town in County Leitrim, Ireland. It is located on the N16 between Sligo (27km) and Enniskillen (41km) in the north of the county. The Irish name means "O'Rourke's small meadow" as opposed to English language reference to Hamilton, the Scottish Planter's manor house (Castle). O'Rourke was the local Gaelic chieftain based in nearby Dromahair whose land was seized by the English and then granted to Hamilton for his services in the European wars of the 17th century.

Its proximity to Sligo means that many of its inhabitants work there and this role as a dormitory town has seen considerable housing and some associated retail development in recent years, supported by government tax incentives. Manorhamilton was - until recently - headquarters of the regional North Western Health Board [NWHB]. The NWHB has now been merged into the national Health Service Executive [HSE], and there is uncertainty as to the future role of the former NWHB HQ. The new head of the HSE, Dr Brendan Drumm, grew up in Manorhamilton where his parents were instrumental in founding the local secondary school.

Contents 1 Economy 2 Places of interest 3 Transport 4 Sport 5 References

[edit] Economy

In nearby Rossinver there is an Organic Centre. This Centre, founded in 1996, is a key location for the development of organic food production in Ireland, and offers courses to the public, as well as disseminating information on organic farming and gardening.

Like most rural Irish towns, Manorhamilton is seeing considerable social and physical change. Farming is still a dominant sector yet traditional industries and livelihoods are being replaced by new forms of economic activity. Construction in the area is undergoing a boom time with hundreds of new homes having been built in recent years when previously there was almost no building development in the town of any sort.

MANORHAMILTON

Wednesday February 06 2008 The detailed case study on volunteering in Manorhamilton that was completed last year for the County Leitrim Partnership by Betty Duignan, assisted by Bernie Donoghue and Teresa Butler, makes many interesting observations on life in the north Leitrim town. It is widely accepted that if voluntary activity ceased in Ireland that the country would come to a rapid halt. The dedicated level of voluntary work that takes place in Manorhamilton daily certainly demonstrated this point when one examines this volunteering study on the town. Betty Duignan, the author of “Volunteering – A Case Study of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim” defines the report’s guidelines for the term volunteer. “For the purposes of this research, being a volunteer was defined as – ‘Giving free time and energy for the benefit of the local community or a charitable organisation.’ Ms. Duignan in her report outlines where her research for the project was conducted. “It was decided to confine the research to the town of Manorhamilton and to focus on three residential areas – an older, established section of town (Castle St/Amorset), an older, established local authority estate (McDermott Terrace) and a new private housing estate (Clooneen Park). During the course of the research this was expanded to include a new town development (Creamery Road and Larkfield Manor) to increase the inclusion of the 18-35 cohort.”Outlining the background to this excellent volunteering research project Betty Duignan states, “Manorhamilton was selected as the pilot area for the research. Following decades of decline the population of Manorhamilton has risen from 1,422 in 2002 to 1,651 in 2006, a 16.1% increase. Although the rate of growth has been slower than in other areas of the county, Manorhamil

At the current rate of housing development it would appear that Manorhamilton’s population will significantly increase in the next one to two years. Nine-medium seized housing developments have been completed in the last three years and four are currently under construction. A section of Main St. has been completely redeveloped to include apartments and fifteen new retail units, while a new Civic Square and town centre development, promoted by Manorhamilton Business Forum, is also nearing completion.

A planning application was lodged recently with Leitrim County Council for a further 110 houses, a crèche and private medial clinic. The total number of planning applications was not available from Leitrim County Council but an indication of the likely future increase in can be gleaned from the postal delivery. The 2002 postal delivery for the town was 285 households. This figure in 2007 stands at 426, an increase of 67%. The new developments will bring this number to 626 by the end of 2007, and increase of 120% in five years.” Regarding the research for her project Betty Duignan explains, “The research process involved interviews with a 20% sample of the population of four areas of the town, a survey of 40 identified local groups, a focus group discussion and interviews with individuals from community-voluntary, groups representing various sectors. The research was carried out in December 2006 and January 2007. The response rate to the survey was high at 78% (48 households). Sixty per cent (60%) of those interviewed were female and (40%) male. 39% were in the 34-45 age category cohort and 26% between 25-35. Over half (59%), are living in Manorhamilton over 20 years. However, over a third (35%) of those surveyed, are new to the area (less than four years) and 10% are not Irish indicating a major demographic change in Manorhamilton.

Over two thirds (69%) of those interviewed are volunteering on a long-term basis – up to ten years in over 50% of cases. The majority are involved in more than one activity. There was a fairly even spread of volunteering across age groups, the highest being the 45-55 age cohort at 83% and the lowest at 54% in the 25-35 age cohort. Nobody in the under 24 category was volunteering but that group only represented 2% of the sample. Of those volunteering, 56% are involved at organisational level. Sixty-four percent (64%) are involved in community development or other service type projects. Thirty-five (35%) percent of people are volunteering in sporting activity, developing, organising, encouraging, training and transporting at all age levels for both genders. Twenty-six percent (26%) volunteer for charitable or voluntary organisations.

Twelve percent (12%) are involved in church and arts and cultural activities, respectively. Motivation is linked to satisfaction levels, achievement, and giving something back. Volunteering is also linked to ‘interest,’ ‘passion’ or to a social dimension. The older cohort was inclined to cite ‘obligation’ or ‘ethos,’ as a reason to volunteer. Almost half the respondents had volunteered of their own accord. The same percentage had also been asked because they were already volunteering. Time Commitment: Over 50% are volunteering for over 10 years and 29% for fifteen to thirty years. Thirty-two percent (32%) give six to twelve hours weekly to volunteering and for 41% volunteering is monthly or seasonal.

Barriers cited were commitment, workload and responsibility. Those not volunteering cited lack of time, tiredness and lack of information as their main reasons for not volunteering but over 50% said they would ‘readily volunteer if asked.’ The fact that Manorhamilton has a voluntary organisation for every 42 people in the town shows a high overall volunteering spirit level. The “Volunteering – A Case Study of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim” report states, “There is a wealth of community-led activity in Manorhamilton (at least 40 active groups). Twenty-five percent (25%) of voluntary activity is directly related to state initiated programmes such as childcare, and other sectors – women, disability and older groups, where partnership with the community is essential to the delivery of the service. Twenty percent (20%) of groups surveyed were sports groups. Other community groups (20%) are associated with the provision of facilities such as community centres and experiences such as arts or cultural activity associated with ‘quality of life,’ or ‘attractiveness to live.’ The remainder include residents associations, youth clubs and charitable organisations. Fifty-eight percent (58%) found the direct approach the most successful in recruitment. Groups are continually recruiting but are finding it increasingly difficult to attract new members. According to the research there are two reasons for this.

The pattern of life for younger couples with families has changed radically resulting in lack of time and exhaustion. A different set of priorities results in a lack of willingness to give the commitment and to take on what they perceive as too much responsibility. To be successful voluntary groups need to know that they are held in high regard and are trusted in the community. This was highlighted at focus group level.” In the “Volunteering – A Case Study of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim” report’s conclusion section it is noted, “There is a marked difference in the type of community and voluntary activity practiced today and that which is characterised in the 1970s and 80s. Firstly there is more of it – that is a wide range of groups engaging in a variety of activity and needing more volunteers. Secondly voluntary activity involves a significantly greater level of responsibility at organisational level. This is probably the greatest challenge to groups and the single-most cited barrier to participation by individuals. It is the reason why most volunteers feel unable to leave but also why many people don’t volunteer or, want to limit their commitment to task related activities.

Government policy, which seeks to promote the ‘feel good’ factor associated with Active Citizenship and volunteering, is not enough. Recognition of the essential role that the community and voluntary sector plays in Irish Society must come in the form of practical strategies to assist community and voluntary organisations attract and keep volunteers, and enable them to achieve their objectives.”

Manor Rangers will face their greatest challenge ever on Sunday next when they face top rated Cork City Club, Douglas Hall in the Bee Park at 1pm in a game after which the victors will claim a place among the last eight teams left in the FAI Junior Cup. The FAI Junior Cup has provided an amazing saga of success so far this season for Manor Rangers after their dramatic initial extra time win in the opening round of the competition against Roscommon’s Manor United on Sunday, September 16 in Castleplunkett. Since then Manor Rangers have beaten Cloonfad United (Roscommon) away, Castlerea Celtic at home, Ballinasloe Town away, Mervue United at home and on Sunday, January 28 Navan Cosmos in Navan. Initially 740 Junior Soccer Clubs in the Republic of Ireland, including Manor Rangers, entered this season’s FAI Junior Cup. Now the number teams left in the FAI Junior Cup is down to 16 and Leitrim, with Manor Rangers as the County’s proud representatives, are still in the race for the most sought after trophy in Junior Soccer. This makes Sunday’s game in the Bee Park perhaps the greatest sporting occasion that the north venue has ever had to host in the Park’s history, going back to the late 1800s.

An opportunity to make views known on EU Social Policy will be afforded to all who attend this Saturday’s (February 9) meeting that will take place on this matter in Manorhamilton’s Glens Centre from 1pm to 5.30pm. This workshop on EU Social Policy has been organised by MEP, Marian Harkin while it has the support of the EU Parliament and Commission. Saturday’s event will facilitate individuals and groups who wish make proposals as regards to ways in which EU Social Policy can benefit them more effectively in the future.

Manor’s Glens Centre will host its first season of classical and new music during the next few weeks in the noted north Leitrim venue. The series will feature internationally renowned and multi award winning musicians such as Hugh Tinney, Finghin Collins and Darragh Morgan, who will take the stage at different concerts during this month and March. Meanwhile the first concert in the series will take place at 8.30pm on this Friday night, February 8 and it will be hosted by the Glens Centre in association with Music Network. Friday’s night concert will feature celebrated champions of new music, the Fidelio Trio, who will perform a varied and dynamic programme. More information on the Manor venue’s groundbreaking classical and new music series is available from the Glens Centre, whose telephone number is 071-9855833. Concert tickets will cost 15/12euro but the Centre will offer special rates of 35/25euro for the season while a reduced rate will be offered to groups, who wish to attend on any of the three nights.

Another big turnout is expected at the third in the ‘Life in the Spirit’ Seminar series, which takes place in St. Clare’s Church Manorhamilton on this Friday night, February 8 after Mass at 8pm. The series will go on also on the following four Friday nights concluding on Friday March 7. This Friday night’s topic is ‘The New Life’ and the speaker is Joe Dalton from Dublin.

A public meeting on current issues relating to livestock, which is being promoted by the Leitrim IFA County Executive and Drumshanbo Livestock Mart, takes place on this Friday night, February 8 in Berry’s Tavern, Drumshanbo at 8.30pm. An impressive array of speakers will attend Friday night’s meeting. The Chairman of the IFA Livestock Committee, John Bryan will address what is expected to be a large turnout of farmers in Drumshanbo. Others who will speak at the meeting include Justin McCarthy, Livestock Editor Irish Farmer’s Journal, Tom Coll, Teagasc, Eoin Keane, Manager, Drumshanbo Livestock Mart and Michael McGovern, Chairman Leitrim IFA County Executive. Among the topics down for discussion in Drumshanbo are “New €80 Cow Welfare and Quality Scheme,” “Cattle Price Prospects 2008,” “Beef Import Standards and Brazil,” “Animal Welfare” and “New Live Movement System.”

The Leitrim Associa-tion of People with Disabilities would like to inform all participants in the Irish Sign Language Advanced Course that this course will resume in the LAPWD Office in the Bee Park Community Centre Manorhamilton on Wednesday night, February 3, between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.

The Annual General Meeting of the North Leitrim Athletic Club will take place in the Killargue Community Centre on this Thursday night, February 7, at 8.00pm. All members of the Club are invited to attend as well as anyone who is interested in the promotion of athletics in the north Leitrim area.

The monthly meeting of Manorhamilton Irish Countrywomen’s Association Guild will take place in the Teagasc Centre on Monday evening, February 11, at 5.00pm. All members are requested to attend and new members will be most welcome.

Manor ICA Guild is running a basic sewing class in the Teagasc Centre, Sligo (beside the Garda Station) on Wednesday mornings between 10.30am and 12.30pm for the next number of weeks. The classes are open to all who wish to enrol for them. Further information on the sewing classes is available from Noreen on 071-9856257.

Manor’s Origin Farmers Weekly Market takes place on this Friday, February 8 between 10am and 2pm at the Bee Park Community Centre.

“Yella,” a German thriller, will be this week’s film in the Cinema North West’s World Cinema Nights Spring 08 season and it will be shown in the Mobile Cinema at Manorhamilton Fire Station on this Wednesday night, February 6 at 8.30pm.

A VISIT to Manorhamilton Library is a must where new fiction books have arrived. Favourite authors like Danielle Steel, Michael Connelly, Joki Picoult, Katie Flynn, Claudia Carroll, Mairead O’Driscoll amoung several others are available to borrow. There is something to suit all readers. The Library is open six days, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10.00am to 2.00pm and 3.00 to 6.00pm; Tuesday and Friday, 10.00am to 2.00pm and 3.00 to 8.00pm and Saturday, 10.00am to 5.00pm.

[edit] Places of interest

• Manorhamilton is also home to the Leitrim Sculpture Centre. This is an arts centre that, as its name suggests, is particularly focused on sculpture. It offers facilities for artists to carry out technical work related to sculpture (e.g. bronze casting and stone working) as well as providing more general support for the broad variety of visual artists that live in the vicinity - many of these having moved from elsewhere in the world.
• The Glens Centre, which focuses on a range of activities from drama to community development, is a fine complement to the sculpture centre, as is the Bee Park Community Centre, home to numerous community-based groups and the weekly Farmers' Market.
• The Green Box tourism initiative -located in a stone building next to the Hamilton Castle - is attempting to develop eco-tourism in the broader region. The adjacent square, which was donated to the council, languished for many years as a council depot before being slowly turned into a public square. Their attempt at making the square welcoming can be seen with one piece of sculpture, sourced from the local Leitrim Sculpture Centre.
• Manorhamilton is home to a great little coffee shop called 'An Caife Bia Slainte' it can be found on the main street, across the road from the post office. It opened in June 2007 and is proving very popular with both locals and tourists. The decor is bright and colourful, the coffee is great and the food varies from hearty homemade soups to gourmet sandwiches, tasty paninis and healthy wraps. They also have a great selection of smoothies, cakes and pastries alonside an extensive coffee and tea menu.

[edit] Transport

• Manorhamilton railway station opened on 1 December 1880 and finally closed on 1 October 1957.^[2]
• There is a bus service running through the town, however it only passes through, linking Sligo and Enniskillen.

[edit] Sport

There are many sporting organisations and activities available for people to engage in. The principal sporting and cultural organisation in the area is the Glencar Manorhamilton (Gleann an Chairthe Cluainín), the local Gaelic Football Club. They have just launched a new website http://glencarmanorhamilton.leitrim.gaa.ie/ which contains lots of information about the club and additional information on community events in the area.

[edit] References