Two Offaly groups receive community grants from bank fund

Offaly Traveller Movement and Edenderry Swimming Pool are to receive grants of up to €5,000 each through a community funding initiative being operated by Bank of Ireland.

The bank's 'Begin Together' fund is designed to help local community groups and non-profit organisations continue to serve their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of €500,000 in funding has been announced by the bank for 116 projects and organisations across the island of Ireland

Offaly Traveller Movement and Edenderry Swimming Pool are the two recipients in Offaly and they will each receive up to €5,000 to support a range of projects and initiatives spanning mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing.

"The aim of the Begin Together Fund, launched back in February which seems a lifetime ago now, is to support charities and community organisations that are making a real difference to the financial, physical and mental wellbeing of their communities," said Aine Malone, head of Bank of Ireland for Offaly.

"As society begins to open up again it's important to remember that charities and community groups have seen their income severely impacted by COVID-19 but the work they do is more important than ever.

"For that reason I'm delighted that the 'Begin Together' fund is providing this timely support for these Offaly projects."