At the end of 2024, we invited local community groups and projects to apply for a grant from a special fund, to support positive change across Dublin 22. Community is at the heart of Seven Mills and supporting local groups in Dublin 22 is what good neighbours do. We wanted to support those projects and organisations making a real difference in their areas. This was for the community, by the community.
From promoting social and cultural activities to bringing people together through the arts and sports, no project is too big or too small. If it can spark joy, foster connection, or inspire change, we’re ready to back it.
We received a total of 44 entries and our judges whittled this down to a shortlist. The judges were blown away by the variety and quality of the projects which sought funding. We had a prize fund of €34,000, with awards of up to €3,000, €5,000 and €10,000. In addition, each judge had a discretionary €1,000 to award to a project that resonated with them.
Balgaddy Youth Project plan to use their major funding to refit the centre which is home to seven local youth groups. The young people who use the centre were consulted on what they want in the space and to be able to deliver on their wish list will make a huge difference at this vital youth centre.
With over 15 teams and a policy of inclusion everyone who wants to play can join a team at Booth Road Celtic. Boys and girls as young as 4 can join the junior ranks and there are 3 senior teams. Completely volunteer run, this funding will go towards equipment to keep their teams on top.
This club is growing fast. An Equipment grant from the Community Fund will mean more goals to score into and help to foster lifelong bonds. Community Football for the Dublin 22 Community.
The beating heart of the Quarryvale Community, the Youth and Community Centre, which provides a welcoming safe space for everyone. They run events for all age groups and this grant will fund services for a huge rage of people.
The grant from the Community Fund is going towards a new lift for one of their vans. Providing a lifeline for people with disabilities with accessible transport with a door to door specialist service. Having this type of accessible transport ensures that people with disabilities are not isolated at home or in nursing homes.
Famous all over south Dublin, RAMS in Rhythm, perform and rehearse multiple times a week. And all that signing makes these men hungry. Their grant is going towards catering equipment. Feeding the body while they feed the soul! And raise funds for local charities every year.
What the Equine Club does goes way beyond promoting animal welfare. Since 2018 they have been helping young people to learn about horsemanship, equine knowledge, and a safe, structured environment for young horse enthusiasts to follow their passion. Their funding will go on jumps and equipment.
Already providing a mobile vet service in Clondalkin: DSPCA are on a mission to microchip cats and dogs to make it easier to return to the owners in the event of them getting lost or straying. This grant funding will microchip 100s of pets and allow owners to sleep easier.
It’s not every club that can produce an Olympic medalist. But over the years Neilstown boxing club has really punched above their weight. Their grant will be spent on a new practice ring to keep their young (and not so young) fighters in shape. The positive mental benefits of fitness and the community the club forges make an enormous difference.
The TY students in this local school have developed an allotment project in partnership with the adults with intellectual disabilities at St John of God. Working together at the allotment in Corkage Park, building bonds and developing practical skills along the way. The grant from the community fund is going towards protective clothing and equipment. We hope this project flourishes.
Anyone who visits Clondalkin can’t help but notice the amazing work these volunteers do. From murals to planting, canal bank clean ups to container gardens all over the village Clondalkin Tidy Towns have really made a mark.
StartBright has 3 after school rooms at Deansrath that they wanted to breathe new life into. The children who use the after school service were full of ideas for what they wanted in their rooms. And we’re delighted that with a grant from The Seven Mills Community Fund will bring these exciting plans to life.
Aideen Darcy
Neighbourhood Network
Aideen’s career has spanned from land surveying (10 years) to managing arts, music festivals and events (15 years) to community engagement. She holds…qualifications in Geomatics and a Master’s in Visual Art and Curation. Passionate about connecting people through her work, Aideen is currently the project manager for Home Together, where she brings her expertise to foster thriving, inclusive communities.
Kenneth Egan
Olympian and local hero
Kenneth Egan is a local Clondalkin man, born and bred. He has lived in this area all his life. He had been a member of…Neil town Boxing Club for over 20 years. Kenneth has travelled the world in his previous profession as a High Performanc Athlete, representing Ireland, and has competed in over 50 countries on international duty; the pinnacle was winning an Olympic silver medal in Beijing, China, in 2008. Kenneth has always maintained that home is where the heart is. Kenneth was a public Rep for 10 years on SDCC. He is also a current practising Psychothera pist in Clondalkin village. He has built up a great connection with many different communitie and clubs throughout Clondalkin and is still quite active within the local area.
Dr Con Kennedy
School of Art and Design, Technology University Dublin
Con is a communication designer and an academic design researcher born and raised in the vibrant…Liberties of Dublin City. Con has had a successful career in graphic design and several impactful roles in leading creative agencies before founding his own design studio in 2010. His design work has been recognised internationally and featured in prestigious publications such as Creative Review (UK), Graphic Design (USA), Page Magazine (Germany), Logo Lounge Design Trends, Logo Lounge Master Library Volume 3, and Logolicious. Today, Con shares his wealth of experience and knowledge of the design industry as a Visual Communication Design and Design Entrepreneurship lecturer at TU Dublin’s School of Art and Design
Maura Winston
Chief People Officer, Cairn
Maura Winston is the Chief People Officer at Cairn, where she has been a key driver of growth and change since joining in 2019. With a career spanning over 25…Maura has worked across various industries in Ireland, Europe, and Australia. She holds a master’s degree in Social and Organisational Psychology from UCD and has extensive experience in managing large-scale strategic organisational change and digital transformation programmes. Before Cairn, Maura worked for the Federal Courts of Australia, overseeing a multi-year award-winning digitisation programme. At Cairn, she has been instrumental in more than doubling the company’s size, significantly increasing employee engagement, and championing diversity and inclusion. Maura also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Bon Secours Board, contributing to the healthcare sector with her expertise. Her leadership and commitment to fostering talent have positioned Cairn as one of Ireland’s top workplaces, evidenced by Cairn being recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Large Workplaces in the Great Place To Work awards.