Pullough Community Shop
February 6, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Pullough is a very rural and isolated village in Co.Offaly. With a population of 700 people, a local group formed in February 2017 to give life back to the community. The local shop was closed nearly three year, the local pub was only opened at weekends and mass was reduced to once a week. The post office was under threat, and subsequently closed in January 2019.
This group identified the need for a social hub and set up Pullough Community Shop, run by volunteers offering locals and visitors a place to meet and mingle as well as a place to pick up household essentials, sweets and treats.
Pullough Community Shop opened in June 2017 with the help of Offaly LDC and has shown what great work a community can achieve. The group recently won Outstanding Group at the 2018 Volunteer Ireland awards and appeared on TG4.
It has given the village a new sense of purpose and pride and has inspired others in the village to set up Pullough Mens Shed and Pullough Youth Space.
It hopes to have ce/tus participants shortly continuing the great work of the volunteers. The new Grand Canal Greenway will be passing through the village and those visitors are welcome to call for a chat, cuppa and a slice of cake!
This group identified the need for a social hub and set up Pullough Community Shop, run by volunteers offering locals and visitors a place to meet and mingle as well as a place to pick up household essentials, sweets and treats.
Pullough Community Shop opened in June 2017 with the help of Offaly LDC and has shown what great work a community can achieve. The group recently won Outstanding Group at the 2018 Volunteer Ireland awards and appeared on TG4.
It has given the village a new sense of purpose and pride and has inspired others in the village to set up Pullough Mens Shed and Pullough Youth Space.
It hopes to have ce/tus participants shortly continuing the great work of the volunteers. The new Grand Canal Greenway will be passing through the village and those visitors are welcome to call for a chat, cuppa and a slice of cake!
Why did you do this work?
- To revitalise our small village and give people a sense of belonging.
To give locals an opportunity to shop local and reduce the 15km roundtrip for groceries.
To give our children hope and happiness in their community.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
The locals have attached themselves to this project and are proud to be associated with Pullough Community Shop and the village itself.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Dont be afraid to ask for help, advise or financial assistance.
Trust your fellow community leader, like you they want the best for their village/family/children too.
Seek Government assistance, ie Ce/Tus Participants to compliment the work of volunteers.
Trust your fellow community leader, like you they want the best for their village/family/children too.
Seek Government assistance, ie Ce/Tus Participants to compliment the work of volunteers.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Location of Project
Pullough, Co.Offaly
Website
Contact Person
Martin Buckley
Email Address
Contact Number
0857663960
