Nyne Park

Residents of Nyne Park gathered at Fr. McGrath Neighbourhood Hall for a festive afternoon of creativity and connection at a Christmas Craft Workshop hosted by Home Together. The event took place on Sunday, 23rd November, from 2–4pm and was led by a local facilitator who guided attendees in crafting beautiful Christmas star decorations.

Home Together Community Liaison Officers, Eilish and Nina, welcomed neighbours with tea, coffee, and mince pies, creating a relaxed and friendly space for conversation and connection. The event offered an opportunity for residents who may have missed the earlier coffee social to come together in a more intimate setting.

One new resident shared, “A strong sense of community is rare today because people move about more, are very busy and because everyone thinks they need to be self-reliant. But events like this help break down any inhibitions we have about approaching our neighbours.”

Another neighbour added, “I’d like to meet any neighbours who might be interested in hiking or walking – and I already just met someone here! I’ll form a WhatsApp group and see whether anyone else would like to join.”

There was strong interest in organising a Residents’ Association information session, with neighbours suggesting it take place after the holidays. While the initiative may need to be led by the CLO team at first, residents expressed openness to getting involved in planning and shaping future events.

On March 7, 19 residents of Nyne Park gathered at Kilkenny Education Support Centre for a Residents’ Association Workshop. Organised to explore interest in forming a Residents’ Association, the session also outlined the practical steps involved. Home Together and a representative from the local PPN shared valuable information, followed by a brainstorming session, informal conversation over refreshments, and the development of an action plan. The workshop had a great atmosphere, with plenty of positive energy and enthusiasm. One resident captured the importance of community, saying, “It is not a question of convenience. To me, having a community is a matter of survival.” 

Another neighbour added, “I feel that it was really useful with lots of good info regarding the formation of residents association, the benefits, and the steps to start one. It was really good to see the attendance and that people have the same interest.”

On 30 May, residents of Nyne Park came together on the green for a lively community Street Party. The potluck lunch brought an array of dishes, many inspired by residents’ countries of origin, prompting wonderful conversations and broadening everyone’s horizons. The event was largely resident-led, with a planning committee of 10 volunteers organising tables, drinks, set-up and clear-up. One resident generously offered her face-painting skills, much to the children’s delight. As residents had moved into the neighbourhood in stages, the party gave some people their first opportunity to meet their neighbours. Sharing food proved a joyful and welcoming way to start conversations and build connections. Keeping food at the heart of the day, we also planted beans with the children, sowing the seeds for future opportunities to grow food together. As one new resident said, “I just moved here; it’s so great to have events like this.”

Residents of Nyne Park came together at Fr. McGrath Neighbourhood Hall for a relaxed and creative star-making workshop. 

Led by a local facilitator, the workshop offered a simple, hands-on activity that opened up space for conversation and connection. Neighbours came together to chat, create, and spend time with people they might not yet have met.

A resident noted, “A strong sense of community is rare today, but events like this help break down the inhibitions we have about approaching our neighbours.”

More feedback from residents included, “I’d love to meet neighbours who are interested in walking or hiking – and I’ve already met someone here. I’m going to set up a WhatsApp group and see who else would like to join.”