'Absolutely brilliant' Longford parents delight at new MacEoin Park Multi Use Games Area
The renewed facility, which had been closed for almost two decades, was reopened recently
The reopening of MacEoin Park Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Longford Town was officially performed by special guest Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development recently and local parents said they were delighted.
The unveiling of the immaculate amenity followed the completion of a major €182,000 upgrade funded through the Community Recognition Fund and the event was attended by local councillors, council staff, community representatives and families.
The renewed facility, which had been closed for almost two decades, was reopened on Thursday, April 30 and it now includes a new soccer pitch and a new handball wall.
Local resident Trisha Cuffe, a mother of two young boys, was walking with her little niece Levana Jordan and admiring the immaculate newly re-opened MacEoin Park Multi Use Games Area.
"There is huge hard work after going in here for months and months by the builders to get it ready and by the council and the efforts they have all made to make an area for the kids to have them entertained, have them safe and in off the road and provide playing opportunities for them is brilliant."
Trisha said the new facility will give local children lots of opportunities for organised team sports and games, but also enable younger kids to run around and play spontaneously.
"There is loads of things they can do, they'll play tag, they'll make up their own fun.
"It's lovely for them being out in the fresh air, nice and safe, off the road, it's all fenced in and you can trust that it's your own crowd up here, it's brilliant."
Amanda Khamgam, a local mother of three said she was thrilled.
"It's absolutely brilliant because now they have the skate park and they have this park here as well.
"It's fantastic, they did an amazing job and they put a lot of hard work into it, it's absolutely beautiful.
"I think it's lovely and the handball and everything for kids is brilliant and it's in the estate as well, it's good for the kids.
"It's safe and secure for the kids and we won't have to worry and I'm delighted."
"As a community it's up to us to keep together and make it nice and clean for the kids, not just for our own family but for everyone's kids to go up and play and we'll know they are safe."
Minister Dara Calleary’s said he was delighted to be there for the reopening and the project ‘has created a place where people can gather, play and connect in a safe and inclusive’ environment.
"After nearly 20 years closed, this park has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming facility for the whole community to enjoy.
"I want to commend everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition. I have no doubt that this park will be enjoyed by the whole community and surrounding areas for many years to come."
Leas Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District, Cllr Kevin Hussey, who grew up in the area said the reopening of MacEoin Park was a very proud moment for Longford and for him personally to speak at such a momentous occasion.
"This facility has been closed for almost twenty years, and its return shows what can be achieved when we listen to local communities and respond to their needs.
"The upgraded MUGA provides a safe, modern and inclusive space where people of all ages can meet, play sport and enjoy being active together. It is a real asset for the town and a place the community can take pride in.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said the ‘targeted’ investment in MacEoin Park has ‘transformed a long‑closed space into a vibrant community facility that will be enjoyed for many years to come’
Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus Butler said MacEoin Park is almost 45 years old and this area was in utter dereliction and had been 'crying out' for the amenity.
"It's a big investment by the council, they made a fine job of it.”