Republican News · Thursday 28 February 2002

New premises for Tar Anall

The longest running republican ex-prisoner support group, Tar Anall, opened its new custom built premises on Tuesday 26 February. The new building is situated behind Conway Mill, just off the Falls Road.

Tar Anall had been based in Andersonstown since it was formed over six years ago but the old premises became too small for the needs of an organisation that can deal with up to 200 people a week seeking and advice and other assistance.

Around 150 people attended the opening and these included many ex-prisoners, including Joe Cahill. Also represented in the crowd were members of the funding organisations whose funds made the building and the work of Tar Anall possible.

The new building was formally opened by Belfast republican Brian Keenan, who served up to 14 years in British prisons. Keenan praised the work of the ex-prisoners' groups and of Tar Anall, especially for its work with young people living in deprived areas. Work with young people is fast becoming a major project for Tar Anall and at the moment the organisation has a number of peer educators who run projects for young people,including courses on health advice.

Caral Ní Chuilin, the project's coordinator, said the new building "has training suites, counselling suites, a library and an office for each of our workers.

"Families can come into the centre whenever they want, whether it be for advice, counselling or even if they just want to talk to someone," said Caral.

She dedicated two of the rooms in the new building to two women, now deceased, who contributed greatly to Tar Anall, Mary Hughes and Kate Campbell.