Passage West PACE Centre is the September Community Spirit Award Winner

Passage West PACE Centre has been named the September recipient of The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award, presented in association with The Carrigdhoun Newspaper. The award recognises outstanding contributions to community life, and the PACE Centre stands as a powerful example of how dedication, volunteerism and compassion can make a lasting difference to people of all ages, particularly the elderly, across the Passage West, Monkstown and Rochestown areas.

At the heart of the Passage West PACE Centre is a small but deeply committed group of local volunteers who give their time and energy to provide a wide range of services and activities. Their work focuses on promoting inclusion, wellbeing and social connection, especially for older members of the community, while also creating a welcoming space that caters to all generations. Activities hosted at the centre include art classes, indoor bowling, toddler groups, Irish dancing classes and many other social and recreational programmes that bring people together.

urphy ; Claire Mills and Sally Hudson with their Community Spirit Award. Included are Cllr. Eoghan Fahy ; Edel Kavanagh, Cork International Hotel and Vincent O'Donovan, Managing Editor, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper. (Picture: Adrian O'Herlihy)

One of the most vital services provided by the PACE Centre is its long-running Meals-on-Wheels programme. This service has been volunteer-led in Passage West for more than 45 years and continues to play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable and elderly residents. Currently, Meals-on-Wheels provides freshly prepared meals to approximately 40 to 50 people every day, ensuring not only that they receive nutritious food, but also that they benefit from regular human contact and care.

Beyond Meals-on-Wheels, the volunteers at Passage West PACE Centre also organise regular in-house dinners and social gatherings. Elderly members of the community are invited into the centre to share a meal, enjoy conversation and take part in activities. These events are especially important for those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation, providing them with a sense of belonging and connection within their community.

Fundraising plays a central role in sustaining the centre’s day-to-day activities. The PACE Centre relies heavily on local fundraising initiatives, many of which are organised and run entirely by the volunteer group themselves. Their continued commitment ensures that essential services can be maintained and expanded, despite the ongoing challenges faced by community organisations.

Vincent O’Donovan, Managing Director of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, praised the centre’s contribution, saying “The importance of the PACE Centre to the wider area cannot be overstated. It has become a hub of activity, support and social interaction, enriching the lives of countless individuals and families. Its recognition as the September Community Spirit Award winner reflects the enormous impact it has had over many years.

Through tireless volunteer effort and unwavering community spirit, Passage West PACE Centre continues to be a cornerstone of local life, making its Community Spirit Award recognition both fitting and well deserved.