PADDY Flannery is someone who is known to everyone in Moyross for his love of his community and his dedication to the betterment of the area.
Now, after 31 years, and even longer as a local volunteer, Paddy Flannery retired on Friday last (June 28) from his important role as manager of Moyross Community Enterprise Centre.
Paddy and his wife Linda came to Moyross at an exciting time for residents, moving into their new home in Cliona Park in February. 1975. 50 years later, they’re still proud to call it home.
Moyross’ eight housing estates, built in the mid-1970s, initially lacked services like a school, a church, supermarkets, reliable public transport, a library, and employment opportunities. However, Paddy soon learned that his new community had spirit and spark.
Paddy – originally from County Galway – was a member of the committee that built the first community centre which opened in May 1992. He was employed as a Community Employment supervisor in the centre in June 1993, and became manager of the centre in 1995. He soon learned too that his new role came with responsibilities that went far beyond the centre’s front gate.
Paddy was a key member of the local Moyross Partners umbrella group and became recognised nationally for being an action-orientated, optimistic, and ambitious community leader who was willing and able to speak up during difficult times.
Paddy helped to bring people together and campaigned for the provision of vital services within the community. He helped to develop strong partnerships between local groups and state agencies to tackle issues facing the community.
Chairperson Tony Lynch said that “when Paddy became manager in 1995, we had five core staff and 74 more employees through Job Initiative (JI) and Community Employment (CE) schemes. What is remarkable is that today the company – rooted in the community – directly employs 50 people and there are 47 people on JI or CE. He leaves this organisation in a strong position going forward.”
“Throughout the years, Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, under Paddy’s guidance, maintained a steady focus on doing what was best for Moyross. Regeneration proceeded, the potential for greater employment opportunities locally has improved, and stigmatisation of the area has decreased.
“It is a remarkable turnaround and Paddy has contributed to making Moyross a better place today.”
At home, Paddy and Linda were involved in fostering children. Their children, now all adults, joined in congratulating Paddy on his many years of services as centre manager.
On his last official day in the job, colleagues and friends staged a celebration to honour his 31 years of service in a centre he first looked on as a green-field site.
