The Committee

The current volunteer committee is following on the work of many committed and selfless individuals who have tirelessly worked to keep the building in a condition that makes it usable for the community.

The current committee are:

Chairperson – Marian Hurley

Marian has been involved with the Centre since its inception over 25 years ago and she currently holds the role of chairperson. Some of the old slates from her father’s farmhouse can be seen on the Centre’s roof! She was instrumental in securing two overseas students (from the US and Germany respectively), participants in the UL Engage Programme in 2017, to help promote the Centre. A further 3 have just come on board (2 from US and 1 from Turkey).  Marian was also involved with local youth groups over the years and has instigated the collaboration between service users of St. Vincent’s residential centre and the local tidy towns committee in Annacotty, of which she is a founder member and current Vice Chair. ( A group from St Vincent’s use the Centre every Monday afternoon for light exercise classes.)

She is passionate about lifelong learning and is a member of Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board and Limerick College of Further Education. She is a member of the Governing Bodies of LIT and UL.  She is currently chair of the Council’s Community, Leisure & Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) and is a member of the Environment SPC and the recently formed Culture SPC.  Marian is constantly supporting Arts and Cultural activities in the community. She is on the board of Limerick Civic Trust and Limerick Market Trustees.

Marian was elected Councillor to Limerick City & County Council in 2014 and as Deputy Mayor for 2017-18.  She recently represented Limerick at an Intercultural Cities Conference in Lisbon.

She has taken great pride in seeing groups such as the World Academy of Music & Dance and the Local Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri, use the Centre over the years, together with art and recreational groups. Marian fondly recalls the many Christmas concerts held in the Centre, coordinated and directed by the late Zita Hogan.  She is particularly proud to be a member of the Aoide Community Choir who have been using the Centre for weekly rehearsals since the choir was formed in 2014.

 

Margaret Schutz – Secretary

Margaret was born and raised in Dublin, she moved to Limerick in 1972 with her husband and children and have lived in Castletroy ever since.

She was elected a member of the Board of Governors of Villiers Charitable Institutions in the 1980s and, whilst working with her fellow Governors on matters to do with Villiers School, she had particular responsibility for Villiers Homes on the King’s Island. She was deeply involved with the upgrading of the buildings there to provide modern and comfortable sheltered accommodation. She retired from the Board after fifteen years but continue to help with social activities in Villiers Square.

She has been a member, for many years, of Mothers’ Union and has worked at both national and local level. Mothers’ Union is a Christian Family Organisation with members throughout the world. She also served on several committees associated with Limerick City Parish of the Church of Ireland.

Her interests include gardening, reading and cookery. As her husband is now retired they both enjoy travelling and have visited many interesting places.

“I have been privileged to be a member of the committee of Cumann Oidhreacht Chill Mhuire, now Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre, for a number of years.”