Coolagown Development Group was formed in 1991. Our aims were to enhance the village and revitalise the area. We distributed a questionnaire to all the people living in the locality asking them to identify areas, which they felt, needed to be addressed.
One need identified was a group water scheme. This was commenced in 1992 and completed within 12 months. Cork County Council has since adopted it. This development has resulted in sizeable increase in the number of houses in the area. 6 are being built in the village at present and planning permission has been granted for 5 more. 12 other houses have been built or are in the process of being built within 1/2mile of the village. These developments have seen an extra classroom being added to Kilmagner School and the employment of a third teacher.

From the beginning we worked closely with Cork County Council. With the advent of Leader funding we have built a close relationship with Blackwater Resource Development who administer these funds.

In 1997 we adopted a 5-year Development Plan which saw major enhancements throughout the village. Stone piers, farm gates with horseshoe motif, kerbing of green areas, enhancement of picnic area, erection of timber railings, repairing stone walls and enhancement of water spout at McDonnell Bros. This plan was completed in 2002.

In 2003 we adopted a new plan which was again for 5 years. This included landscaping centre of village, building a forge and blacksmith (see photos below), developing an amenity area at Higgins’ Cross, and the development of a forestry walk in Kilbarry Wood. Information panels showing the history, heritage wildlife, fauna and flora of the area have been erected.

We have spent over €75,000 in the past two years. Funding has come form Blackwater Resource Development, Cork County Council, The Heritage Council, Coillte and our own resources. We are involved in two fundraising activities. The Harvest Festival, which is run in July each year and a Christmas Raffle held in December. Tidy Towns. We participate each year in the Tidy Towns Competition. We scored 241 marks in 2004 an increase of 6 over 2003. We were marked under the following categories:

Overall Development Approach - 42 out of 50 (42/50)
Built Environment - 31/40
Landscaping - 35/40
Wildlife and National Amenities - 15/30
Litter Control - 38/40
Tidiness - 17/20
Res. Areas - 24/30
Roads Streets - 31/40
Gen. Imp. - 8/10

The judges comments were: This is a most pleasant village set in beautiful countryside. The community is making the most of its identification with the horse which obviously is deeply rooted in the area. But in addition to that a considerable amount of work has been done to enhance an already very attractive community. While these are very complimentary there remains plenty of work for us to do.

Pride of Place: Cork County Council entered us in the Pride of Place competition. This competition is based on the 32 counties of Ireland with four categories. Each town/village is visited by 2 judges on an arranged day and they spend two to 3 hours in the area. We failed to make the prizes in this.

Litter Challenge Competition. We entered the Cork County Council Litter Challenge competition. This competition is judged over an eight week period with fortnightly visits. We won the North Cork section with 381 out of 400. We were beaten by 1 point in the Divisional Final. Our prize was €650.

Muintir Na Tire Anti-Litter: We also entered the Muintir Na Tire Anti-litter competition. This entailed two visits over a 5 month period. We were second in our Area Final winning €130.

Coolagown has progressed nicely over the past 15 years. We are indebted to the FAS Community Employment workers and their supervisor Breda McCarthy. We have managed to retain our rural dimension and at the same time improve the amenities and appearance of the area.

Recent News

Clean Up
We would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent litter clean-up in our area. We also thank Blackwater Resource Development and Cork Co Council who collected all the rubbish.

Kilbarry Woodland Walk
The official opening of Kilbarry Woodland Walk takes place on Sunday May 20th at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Bring your walking shoes.

New History Project
Coolagown Development have initiated a project on the history of Coolagown Church,Kilmagner School and surrounding areas. We are currently trying to source any revelant materials, books, photographs,newspaper/magazine articles, old documentation.
No matter how old or how small,if you have anything that might be of interest or queries please contact Edward Sheehan 025 36403, 086 8076400 or Emmet Cronin 025 37596, 087 41226980.
Please note all materials will be returned to donors.

Christmas Fund Raising Raffle 2006
Coolagown Development Group held their Annual Christmas Party / Fundraising night in OB's bar Coolagown last Friday night. A great party night was had by all.
The winners of the fundraising draw were:
Christmas hamper: Breda Barry, Glenarouske,
Portable TV: Brendan Noonan, Cill An Oir, Coolagown.
€50:Angie Douglas, Ballydorgan, Fermoy.
Bottle of Brandy:Emily Feeney, Coolagown,
Bottle of Whiskey:Paddy Beecher, Ballytrasna,
Dairy Hamper:Tom Morrison, Ballydorgan.
We would like to wish all our ticket sellers, people who bought tickets, sponsors, and staff and management of Avondhu Press a very holy and happy Christmas. We would also like to wish everybody who assisted us during the year a very holy and happy Christmas.

2005 Anti Litter Competition
Coolagown achieved 3rd place the 2005 Anti Litter Competition organised by Cork Co Council. The event was won by Killeagh. John Feeney Chairperson accepted an award on behalf of the village at a function held recently at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork. Congratulations to all who helped and we ask you to continue the good work.