A local man has highlighted the importance of community hubs when it comes to the development of young people within rural areas. Seamus McDermott became chairperson of the Ballinode Hall committee in later years, but started off by predominantly working with young people through various initiatives at the local hall.
This weekend the community of Ballinode will mark 'the end of an era' by celebrating the many clubs, groups and events which were held in Ballinode Hall between 1935 and 2025. The event will take place on Sunday at 3pm.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Seamus said as a former teacher, he was "well aware" that it was important for young people to "mix" adding that Forage was in his opinion the best organisation for that purpose. According to Seamus, Ballinode Hall offered adults like himself an opportunity to create a space for teenagers to come together to do constructive things that will be of benefit to them in the future:
