Community Council Established in 1970

Newcastle Community Council area covers 72sq miles, with a population of 2,654.

A brief history of Newcastle

Newcastle is an ancient little village situated eight miles from Clonmel on the banks of the river Suir, and at the foot of the majestic Knockmealdown Mountains.

Local places of interest include: Liam Lynch Monument in the Knockmealdowns, Mollough Abbey: from the early Christian era, Cnoicin an Aifrinn Mass Rock, and the ruins of a pre- Reformation Church.

Newcastle and its hinterland were, up until the 1950’s, a Gaeltacht area, and part of the native Irish speaking region known as the Deise. Today there still exists a rich heritage of Irish Language and Culture.

Interesting statistics:

In the late seventies and the early eighties records show that there were 44 people unemployed in Newcastle and 15% of those were under 20 years.

In 1969 the old technical School (now the Muintir Na Tire community hall) was bought, by loan for £1,500. Recent major refurbishment totalled €72,690.*

In the 1980’s a site was sold for the local dispensary on the grounds of the Community hall for £880.00.

Down through the years a weekly card game was the main and very popular fundraiser, (Record stands at 54 tables!). Today the card games continue but the record still stands.

Badminton Classes began in 1976 and still continue 35 years later.

Overview of Development/Advancement

Newcastle Muintir Parish Guild was founded in 1970, and the greatest achievement to date was to survive, and celebrate 40 years, on November 20th 2010.

  • Refurbishment and modernization of the Community hall, in a 3 phase project, from 2007-2010. Through Grant aid and local fundraising, the hall is now a beacon in the central life of Newcastle.
  • Publication of an Information Leaflet for new residents and visitors to Newcastle.
  • Facilitation of bereaved families by providing refreshments and support at Funerals.
  • Provision of a Savings Club for Christmas, first started in1982, and a second saving club for people travelling to Lourdes annually.
  • Compilation of a Parish newsletter for ex-parishioners away from home at Christmas.
  • Involvement with Community Alert, Tidy Towns, Listening Service, FAS, and St Vincent De Paul.
  • Organization of an open- air Remembrance Mass annually in parish graveyards.
  • Identifying and responding to local needs, and working with relevant bodies at times of crises and trauma in the community.
  • Securing funding (1982-2011) through charity events to sponsor patients who wish to travel to Lourdes annually.
  • Educational advancement – Adult VEC and Irish College.