Athy Scouts going from strength to strength

Scouting in Athy was strong in the 1940s and 50s. I know this because my late father was a member and I still have his CBSI belt buckle and a number of scouting books and manuals, hence I am a dab hand at lighting fires and tying knots. The local CBSI scout association faded in the 1960s, although the Baden Powell scouts at the Church of Ireland continued.

In 1977, local curate Fr Prenderville approached Aidan Prendergast with a view to re-establishing scouts in town. Aidan was active with Athy Town Soccer club and managed Park Celtic schoolboys’ soccer club to huge success throughout the decade. He took on the task with enthusiasm and commitment, gathering like-minded people together to make the organisation the success it has become.

In 1995, the two local troops amalgamated to form a Scouting Ireland troop. As the 50th anniversary approaches, scouting in Athy has gone from strength to strength, at present catering for girls and boys across all grades with 32 beavers, 36 cubs, 33 scouts, four venturers and 20 leaders. Most recently, Athy scouts won the south Kildare county shield, which was held over three three days at Lough Dan in Co Wicklow. Athy emerged victorious in campcraft, uniform inspection, logbook and trade fair and in doing so qualified for the all-Ireland finals, which will be held in the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick in August.

The awards were presented by camp chief Niall Heaney. The event could not have happened without the support of committed volunteers and family members; our thanks to the team behind the victory — costumes and uniforms Jackie and Selena Eustace; transport Michael Eustace, Joe Handy and Lawler Construction; and team leads Hannah Keogh, John Delaney, Linda Dalton and Aidan Prendergast. 

New members are always welcome, to join just call to the den on St John’s Lane and complete an application form. Beavers meet on Monday cubs on Wednesday and the scouts and venturers every Friday - all from 7-8.30pm.