Ann McGeeney Trust Fund announces first grants on #GivingTuesday

Four groups are set to benefit from The Ann McGeeney Trust Fund as it announces its first grants on #GivingTuesday. The Fund which is managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland was set up in Ann’s memory by her family last year.

Ann who passed away in 2014 was a lifelong community worker and peace activist from South Armagh who began her working life in Crossmaglen as manager of the Regeneration of South Armagh community organisation. The announcement of the Fund’s first grants comes as the Centre for Cross Border Studies recently dedicated its annual journal to the memory and work of Ann at a special event in Belfast and Dublin

Ann’s life was dedicated to working with communities experiencing deprivation as well as supporting peace-building across Ireland, and in particular working with women to inspire them and build their confidence.

Ann’s husband Jimmy Murray along with his and Ann’s daughters Holly and Daisy, and a wider group including Ann’s sisters Mary and Cathy set up the fund to help address issues Ann was passionate about, specifically; building peace across and within communities, helping minority groups both indigenous and newly arrived, and assisting women’s groups seeking to make a positive difference to women's lives.

Speaking about the first round of funding Jimmy Murray said: ‘It has been a difficult few years for family and friends coping with Ann’s loss however the Fund and the overwhelming generosity of so many people in making the Fund possible has meant that we can in small ways continue the good that Ann did in her life. 

“Small things do make a difference as Ann always said and these grants small though they may be in value will make important differences to the projects they are supporting,’ said Jimmy. 

Groups receiving grants include:

Healthy Eating Initiative – A project led by St. Peter’s GAA Warrenpoint. A community health programme which Ann was heavily involved with, aimed at young mothers, single parents and non-nationals to provide a number of information/demonstration classes on how to eat healthily on a budget. (£500)

Spirasi – The Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative based in Dublin. In 2015 Spirasi assisted 650 victims of torture from across Ireland. Its ethos is the provision of services to assist the most vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees. (€1000)

Cabbage Patchers, Anns Garden Army – A Warrenpoint based group which Ann had previously worked with and sourced start-up funding for, its focus is on bringing a range of people together to carry out gardening work in the community including; older people, disabled and offenders. (£500)

Armagh Child Contact Centre – funding towards an initiative which provides a safe space for estranged/separated parents to meet with their young children with supported engagement. (£500)

The Ann McGeeney Award recognising cross border achievement.

Working with the Centre for Cross Border Studies, two awards will be made each year recognising the work of inspiring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community activity across the border and to peace building.

Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “We are proud to manage the Ann McGeeney Trust Fund on behalf of Ann’s family and friends. We were delighted to be able to match the initial contribution Ann’s family made to the fund, with £10,000 from the Pears Foundation. This fund can truly make a massive difference through giving small grants which will have a positive impact on the causes Ann was passionate about.”

Last updated 7 years 3 months ago