Kells Local Heroes was established in November 2011 in the midst of the economic recession with one objective, namely to re-invigorate life back in to the commercial and cosmetic look of the Town. Following a well-attended Town Hall meeting in the Headfort Arms Hotel, a catalogue of ideas were put forward by members of the public aimed at bringing about positive change. The first priority was the
look of the streetscape and after 66 derelict & unsightly properties were identified, a painting programme got underway to brighten up the Town's image with a major emphasis placed on creating a new colour scheme for Kenlis Place which links Farrell street and John st. The results transformed the look of Kells in the eyes of local and visitors. Other projects soon followed aimed at strengthening the sense of community in Kells. The Summer Street Parties in 2014, 2015 & 2016 proved to be a popular success as well as the annual Live Crib event at Christmas not to overlook our popular fund-raising annual winter quiz league. Subsequent conferences on developing a Town Plan, and developing the arts have also proved popular and continue to be a work in progress. Meanwhile the KLH bio-diversity Plan is being rolled out as is the ongoing work with Kay Deignan and the local Pride of Place team on the maintenance of the Parnell garden adjacent to the Catherine McAuley Centre. Our creative Director Mark Smith is leading the project to move the old Kells printing press to a new home at the Sawmills on Church Lane and has developed the unique 'Type Trail' event which is now very much part of the Summer programme of events in the Town. Elsewhere the Hinterland Literary and Guth Gafa International Film festivals have added immensely to the annual local social calendar attracting thousands to Kells each Summer while helping enormously to raise the profile of the Town. In 2016, Geraldine Walsh and Ann McEntee rolled out the colourful Summer flower-box programme on Farrell St. which will extend to surrounding streets in the coming years. In January 2015, Kells Local Heroes collaborated with 5th Meath Scouts, The Special Hands activity group, Kells Tennis Club and Councillor Sarah Reilly to raise funds for the re-construction of the outdated Playground at the Fair Green. Working with Meath County Council, this joint operation delivered one of the most advanced playgrounds in the Country which has proved to be hugely popular with Kells families. The Good Friday litter pick is now an annual event with participation growing each passing year. Plans are also being explored to create a new pathway linking Eureka College and Bective street as well as the development of the Kells Lloyd Walk amenity along the river Blackwater. The creation of a Town Team to ensure all community groups are represented by one Committee in all future engagement with Meath County Council and Government agencies is also evolving. The trojan effort put in by KLH since 2011 has paid off greatly with the awarding of a €50,000 grant by The Heritage Council in selecting the Town as a pilot project to improve and re-vamp the heritage look of John st and Castle street. Kells was selected ahead of 22 other 'walled' towns for this project which in itself is a reflection of the work, commitment and dedication put in by volunteers in transforming the Town in recent years. This work will be carried out with the assistance of Meath County Council which has assisted greatly in all our endeavours since KLH was created. The objective of KLH is to make Kells a better place to visit, work and invest in. Co-operation and commitment comes from the individual and everybody in the Town benefits from the outcome. Things can only happen through the participation of dedicated civic-minded local people who care for their town and have a vision for the end result. In time, Kells will be the envy of other towns and villages in Co. Meath but we need more volunteers and donations. Kells Local Heroes which is a not-for profit group is, by the community, of the community, for the community. If you wish to get involved, contact the office on 08-137-1508 or drop into 3 Church Street, Kells. Alternatively, write to us at: [email protected] or twitter:
Become a local hero and take pride in your home town!
