Meet the Community Guardians
Passionate residents united by love for Inishannon, dedicated to preserving our heritage and protecting our future.
Passionate residents united by love for Inishannon, dedicated to preserving our heritage and protecting our future.
It was a cold February evening in 2019 when twelve concerned residents gathered in Mary O'Sullivan's kitchen, united by a shared alarm over proposed developments that threatened to forever change Inishannon's character.
The catalyst was a planning application for a massive retail complex that would have demolished our historic grain mill and paved over the riverside meadows where generations of children had played. That night, Friends of Inishannon was born from necessity, passion, and an unshakeable belief that community voices matter.
What started as an emergency response has grown into a thriving organization of over 300 members, proving that grassroots action can triumph over corporate interests when communities stand together.
Guided by principles that connect our past to our future, ensuring Inishannon remains a place where heritage and community thrive together.
"To preserve and protect the cultural and natural heritage of Inishannon through grassroots community stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit a place where history lives, nature thrives, and community voices shape our destiny."
Every resident's opinion matters. Our petition against the riverside development gathered 1,247 signatures in just two weeks, proving that when we speak together, we're heard.
Protecting our built and cultural heritage for future generations. The restored 18th-century stone bridge stands as testament to what community dedication can achieve.
Protecting our natural spaces and promoting sustainable practices. Our river monitoring program has documented improved water quality thanks to community conservation efforts.
Six years of community victories, each milestone representing countless hours of volunteer dedication and collective action.
12 residents unite to challenge destructive development plans, establishing Friends of Inishannon as a legal entity.
Planning application rejected after 847 objections and compelling environmental impact evidence presented by our team.
€85,000 raised through community fundraising to restore our iconic 1750s stone bridge to its former glory.
Heritage Ireland recognizes Friends of Inishannon for outstanding community-led preservation efforts.
Currently fighting industrial development that threatens our pristine river ecosystem. 68% funded, 23 days remaining.
The heart of our organization: passionate residents who've dedicated countless hours to preserving what makes Inishannon special.
President
"My grandmother's stories of old Inishannon inspired me to fight for our heritage. When I see children playing by the same river where she played 80 years ago, I know our work matters."
Vice President
"Every stone in this village has a story. My role is ensuring those stories survive for future generations to discover and cherish."
Board Member
"Community action works when everyone has a role to play. I help match passionate people with meaningful ways to contribute."
Environmental Advocate
River monitoring & wildlife protection specialist
Planning Expert
Development application analysis & legal research
Communications Lead
Social media, newsletters & community outreach
Fundraising Coordinator
Grant applications & community fundraising events
Open governance, clear decision-making processes, and full financial transparency build trust with our community.
5 elected members serving 2-year terms, responsible for strategic direction and major decisions.
Specialized teams focusing on specific areas of our mission, open to all members.
All community members welcome. Monthly meetings, quarterly votes on major initiatives.
Numbers that tell the story of community dedication and collective achievement over six years of action.
Every voice matters, every action counts. Whether you can volunteer weekly or support occasionally, there's a place for you in preserving Inishannon's future.
Next community meeting: Thursday, December 5th, 7:00 PM at the Community Centre