Welcome to the Family Centre Castlebar

history of the family centre


Family Life Services based at the Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar, was established in 1995 by the Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam in association with the Western Health Board.

The need for such a Centre emerged as a result of widespread consultation within the local community. Those consulted indicated very clearly that families in Ireland were going through a period of profound social, economic, cultural and religious change which affected the quality and stability of family life. These changes continue today.

So it was in response to this need that the Family Centre was established.

The Family Centre is a beautiful cut stone building erected in 1878 as a National School for boys run by the De La Salle Brothers until the late 1950's. The building has a copper roof.

In 1994 the building was designated for development as a Family Centre and was appropriately and tastefully renovated and refurbished.

This was made possible thanks to the generosity of the people of the Archdiocese of Tuam, the Archbishop, priests, & Religious.

The Family Centre opened its doors to the public in 1995 and was officially opened by Her Excellency President Mary McAleese, President of Ireland and blessed by His Grace Archbishop Michael Neary D.D., Archbishop of Tuam, on 18th July 1998.

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From August 2008 Cathal Kearney took up postion as Director of the Centre. Previous to this Fr Pat Farragher was director from 2001-2008. Prior to 2001 Fr Martin O'Connor was the first Director of the Centre.