The Story so Far:
Like many of villages in rural Ireland, Stoneyford was facing its demise in the late 1960’s. Arising out of this sad fact the people of Stoneyford formed The Stoneyford Development Association in 1970. The purpose of the association was to develop a focus in the village which would cater for all. It was decided to build a Community Centre with outdoor playing facilities for young and old i.e. a playing pitch, a running track, a Children’s Play Area etc. Eventually, following years of effort, work began on the construction of the community hall. The work was mainly done on a voluntary basis and the Hall and Pitch were opened in 1990.
How has Stoneyford fared in the intervening years between the 1970s and today? Well the report has to be a mixed one. The population has grown and there is now a thriving self-sustaining community in Stoneyford. The school was not closed, in fact Scoil Chiaráin Naofa has expanded and modernised. However after a concerted effort and two attempts the powers that be finally succeeded in closing down our Post Office, what a shame. It is not now possible to post anything larger than a letter in Stoneyford; it is rather difficult to send a parcel by email! Our Garda Station was closed suddenly in a rash of rationalising and cut backs by the state. Please note that in early 2019 a Garda has been posted to Stoneyford Garda Station on a part time basis, this is an improvement but still leaves a lot to be desired. Worst of all there is no public transport servicing Stoneyford or its environs. We have good mobile connectivity. During the months of September and October 2019 Fibre Broadband to the home and the cabinet has arrived in Stoneyford.
It would not be true to depict everything that has happened in the intervening years as negative. Stoneyford is now serviced by a fantastic motorway, which can be easily accessed either at Danesfort or Knocktopher. In effect this give us a speedy and safe road access to any part of the country. A side effect of the motorway is that Stoneyford Village is bypassed thus rendering our main street a safe environment for all, and at the same time opening up the village to any passing motorist who might want a break from the tedium of a long drive.
It must also be said that St. Brendan’s catholic church, which celebrates its bi-centenary in 2015, has a thriving community and like the school has a bright future.
The people of Stoneyford are a progressive and forward-looking people. They are refusing to be ignored and neglected and in recent years progress has been made. Stoneyford and its people look to the past with pride and face the future with hope.