On Tuesday of last week the 11th of July The National Pride of Place judging panel were guests of The Acorn Project who have been nominated in the community category by Offaly County Council. It was a fantastic day of reflection and remembering for all associated with the project and its journey. Co-ordinator of the project ​Kevin Farrell highlighted some statistical growth rates which were in every sense amazing.  The Acorn Project Pride of Place Judging

However perhaps the greatest accolade to come out of the presentation on the day for the project came from no tess a prominent person than from Chief Superintendent John Scanlon. When asked by the judges to comment on the difference that he felt the Acorn Project had made to the town of Edenderry and surrounding areas the Chief Superintendent was fulsome in his praise. ​He stressed that people needed to pay heed to the fact that Edenderry has three factors which should result in deep problems. These he said were early school leaving, low transfer by the national standard into third level education and high youth unemployment. These three factors combined are very strong indicators of a high level of youth crime. In others parts of the country when these factors are at play the end result is not pretty. This has not happened in Edenderry he stressed and we need to look at why. This project, ​The Acorn Project has played a very significant role in offsetting what could have been a serious black spot for youth crime. At times because the high crime level is not present it can be taken for granted, but take it from me he said 'the correct ingredients were present within this town for a serious youth crime problem'. It didn't happen and we need to acknowledge The Acorn's part in this.

Chairman of Edenderry Municipal District Noel Bourke also spoke in glowing terms about the project. Noel said that especially on winter evenings when he would be coming down town and the project is brightly lit up he takes great pleasure in knowing that there is good positive work going on. Work he said that results in people being educated, people having a place to have their concerns aired or young people having fun or learning new skills. The people of Edenderry are very proud of the project and are very aware of the impact which it makes to community life. ​Noel thanked all involved in the development of the project and in the day to day running of individual programmes for the positive difference that they make to the town.

Our beautiful singers greeted the arriving Judges

Honoured Guests

The Acorn Project began in 1999 as an early school leavers project. it became a Garda Youth Diversion Project in 2000. At that time there were 3 young people attending the project. In January of 2017 over 1400 people came through the project in one week. ​The project consisted on one dilapidated room in 1999, it now has facilities which are the entire building, the all weather pitch, the gym, the allotment site, and the respond House where Teach na nÓg resides. These are all wonderful developments and are indicative of the reputation which the project has earned as a centre of excellence.

Maura Kearney spoke in detail about the origins and development of the AMETS educational project. At all stages she said:

it is the community that decides which modules are run. We listen to what they are telling us and we then respond. The role of the LOETB in allowing us to do this cannot be overstated. If we stay rooted in the community and are part of that community then we will always know the programmes to deliver. The bespoke individualised nature of the programmes is what marks AMETS out as a provider. AMETS is an arm of the Acorn Project and operates with the same ethos

The Pride of Place Judges

The Pride of Place Judges

It was a fantastic day of reflection and remembering for all associated with the project and its journey. The Acorn Project began in 1999 with one room and now has facilities throughout the whole building. The Acorn Project incorporates the All Weather Pitch, The Gym, The Allotments in Shean, the respond house where Teach na nÓg resides. AMETS - Acorn Midlands Education Training Service, The Youth Café, & Youth Action Group. 
Over 50 different agencies have had and continue to have, a very central role to play in the sustaining of and the development of the project. Kevin Farrell noted that it was because of the trust which agencies such as Offaly Local Development Company placed in the Acorn Project that they were prepared to back their ventures. 

Whatever the outcome of the prize giving at a national level the Acorn Project stands proud and delighted. 

First time to have a massage and it will not be my last. Really enjoyed the experience, very impressed by the professionalism of all involved. Would be back again if it were an option.    Kevin

Christina had a very good touch, just a pleasant pressure. Well done on the day.    Mary

Very soothing set up, relaxing and nice location. The music and candles were lovely. The massage was very good. Thanks to all involved. I will look forward to visiting again.    Sam

Well done Everyone - what a wonderful achievement! ​