The Athy Ireland Facebook page has long been a vibrant hub of community connection, fostering conversation and collaboration across over 550 social media groups and accounts. Yet, as we step into a new year, the landscape of social media has shifted dramatically. Challenges, including shadow-banning and censorship, have prompted the team behind Athy Ireland to make a bold choice: rather than looking back, they’re forging ahead with a transformative new vision.
The Challenge: Censorship and Shadow-Banning
For years, the Athy Ireland network has faced increasing restrictions under the guise of “fact-checking” and “community standards.” Shadow-banning—a practice that limits the visibility of content without notifying users—has hampered their reach, making it harder to connect with the community. This uphill battle against censorship left the team with two choices: petition for relief from the very platforms restricting them or chart an independent course toward a censorship-free future.
The Choice: Building a New Future
The decision was clear. Instead of clinging to a flawed system, Athy Ireland has chosen to restart, renew, and rebuild its entire media network. The current pages, groups, and accounts will remain active, but they’re laying the groundwork for something far greater behind the scenes.
This bold initiative isn’t just about creating new platforms; it’s about building a media ecosystem that champions free speech, community collaboration, and unrestricted dialogue. By 2025, the team plans to unveil exciting new content and infrastructure, culminating in a grand re-opening in 2026.
Event Details: Restart and Renew and Rebuild
To mark the start of this transformative journey, Athy Ireland is hosting a Facebook Live Event every Tuesday from 14 January to 26 March, 3 PM to 6 PM UTC. This series of events will share updates, strategies, and plans as the team builds toward a censorship-free future.
- Event Name: Restart and Renew and Rebuild
- Dates: Every Tuesday, 14 January – 26 March (11 sessions)
- Time: 3 PM to 6 PM UTC
- Platform: Athy Ireland Facebook Page (Event Link)
- Video Highlights:
These live events will offer an inside look at the journey ahead, including plans to launch an innovative media network that prioritizes transparency, free speech, and true community connection.
Why It Matters
The Restart, Renew, and Rebuild initiative isn’t just about navigating social media restrictions; it’s about reclaiming the power of community-driven content. In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms and gatekeepers, this project is a reminder that meaningful connection and dialogue can thrive when we’re willing to reimagine the way we engage online.
With the launch of new content and platforms in 2025 and the grand re-opening in 2026, Athy Ireland is poised to become a beacon of innovation and resilience.
Join the Movement
The Athy Ireland team is calling on everyone—longtime supporters and new friends alike—to be part of this journey. Together, we can move beyond the confines of censorship and build a network that truly reflects the spirit of the community.
Let’s restart, renew, and rebuild—together.