Connaught Street ‘needed space to be seen and celebrated’
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Erica O’Meara of the Connaught Street and Environs Community Group shared the story of how their initiative began two and a half years ago.
“Our story began with something very simple: Mary (Dooley) and Pauline (Grenham) walking down the street in April 2023. They were overwhelmed by the amount of derelict buildings in one area and asked, ‘What will become of our environments if we don’t do something about it?’”
This conversation led to action, with residents and business owners forming a group and met with Westmeath County Council to share their concerns and vision.
“Louise Heavin introduced us to Heritage Week and guided us to showcase that Connaught Street has always been a busy street, rich in culture and heritage. It simply needed space to be seen and celebrated again.”
Ms O’Meara said volunteers proved “not with talk, but with action, that our street and environment matters”.
The group’s efforts culminated in Heritage Week 2023, helping Connaught Street re-establish its footprint in Athlone. Since then, they’ve organised three Heritage Week events, created the Echoes of Old Athlone project, and launched the monthly Connaught Street Markets.
“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated community and collaborators with diverse skills, expertise, work ethic, and, above all, a deep passion and indomitable spirit. People who show up quietly and consistently because they care.”
The group has received numerous accolades being named as finalists in the National Heritage Week Awards 2025, receiving recognition at the Athlone Chamber Awards, and now finalists in the Westmeath Independent Community and Sports Awards.
"These honours belong to everyone who painted, swept, carried chairs, assembled gazebos, made sandwiches, got teas and coffees, played music, volunteered, or simply believed in the street. To quote Barack Obama, ‘Real change comes from the bottom up, from ordinary people working together to shape their communities and their future.’ And believe us, we’re not finished yet.”