Happy Feet Childcare marks major milestone with opening of new purpose built facility

Happy Feet Childcare, a long established family run service in Castlerea, has opened the doors of its new purpose-built facility after 15 years serving the community.

The centre at Tarmon, Castlerea was officially launched last week at its new home — the historic former principal’s residence beside Tarmon National School.

Founded in 2011 by Anita Flynn and her sister Tracy, Happy Feet began as a small three hour playschool at Knockroe, Castlerea. As demand grew among local families, the service expanded into full day childcare and later added a dedicated after school programme.

What started with Anita collecting children in her own car quickly outgrew its capacity. “The demand was so high we had to hire a bus to collect students from St. Paul’s, St. Anne’s, Tarmon and Cloonbonniffe,” she recalled.

By 2019, the business had outgrown its original premises, prompting an agreement with Tarmon National School principal Mr Kieran Dowd that allowed Happy Feet to take another step forward, continuing to operate a facility at Knockroe and also operating from a classroom on the school grounds.

Continued growth led to the purchase of the adjoining principal’s residence in 2021, which has now been transformed into a modern, high-spec childcare centre.

The renovated building blends contemporary facilities with the charm of the original stone structure. Extensions have been added, the stonework and fireplace restored, and a cherry blossom tree — which first caught Anita’s eye in 2021 — preserved as a centrepiece of the car park.

Inside, the facility features four dedicated care rooms, including the Ladybug Room, full-daycare spaces, and an expanded after school suite. Up to 72 after school children will be accommodated, with a new pedestrian access route directly from the school grounds. The service will cater for children from 2½ years old up to sixth class, with care provided during school holidays, teacher training days, and throughout the summer.

The building has been fully retrofitted with high quality insulation and fitted with a custom commercial kitchen, where Anita’s mother Bernie prepares all meals from scratch. Staff numbers — currently at 15 — are expected to rise to 20 with the opening of the new premises.

“I’m very lucky with the staff I have,” Anita said. “I’d be very family centred, and I have an awful lot of support from my own family.” Bernie cut the ribbon at the official opening. “Everyone kept asking what celebrity we were having,” Anita said. “To me, a celebrity is someone you look up to. My mother has been a huge inspiration to me all my life. I’m so lucky to have her working with me every day.” 

Despite the growth of the business, Anita says the children remain her favourite part of the job. “It can be stressful, but the children keep me going. I hate sitting behind a computer — I want to be in with them, watching them grow. Every morning they come up and give you a hug.”

A large crowd gathered for the event at the Tarmon facility, where Anita began by paying tribute to Tarmon NS teacher the late Áine Gallagher, asking those present to keep her, her family and her colleagues in their thoughts.

Reflecting on the growth of Happy Feet since its founding in 2011, Anita noted that the service began with just 20 children and three part time staff. Fifteen years later, Happy Feet, now operating across two centres, Tarmon and at Knockroe, Castlerea, will operate with a greatly expanded capacity. She thanked her staff for their “outstanding work and dedication” throughout the journey.

Representatives from Roscommon County Childcare Committee were acknowledged for their ongoing guidance during the development of the new building.

On the day Fr Kevin and Fr Mario led a short prayer service and blessed the classrooms and all in attendance.

Anita also thanked her four children—Cora, Darragh, Dylan and Zara—for their support. She highlighted that Cora recently joined the Happy Feet team full time after completing her Early Education studies.

Tributes were extended to Anita’s sister Tracey, who has been involved since the childcare service first opened, and to Anita’s husband Joe, Sharkey who played a major role in the construction project, dedicating countless hours to its completion.

The main building contractors, Paul Colleran and his employee Kleverton, were also thanked for their professionalism and high quality workmanship.

In addition to the official opening, Anita announced the success of a recent fundraiser, “The Leprechaun Lap”, held on March 11th. Children from both the Tarmon and Knockroe centres, accompanied by families and staff, took part in the sponsored walk, raising €2,200. All proceeds will go to the Castlerea Town Team to support the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Demesne—an event proudly sponsored by Happy Feet.