Completion of the Walkway
Official opening of the Walkway - 23/10/09
Last night at 7pm the walkway, again extended to encompass the area around the mobile classroom, was officially opened with an ecumenical service conducted by Fr. Whelan and the Rev. Scott.
In spite of the threatening weather there was a good turn out to join in the the proceedings and sharing an awareness of the value of the walkway between the church and the community centre.
Billy Nolan, whose family generously provided the land for the walkway, cutting the ceremonial ribbon with the Rev Scott and Fr. Whelan offering a blessing to mark the occasion.
The Rev. Lester Scott led the prayers for the blessing with Mick O'Toole, chairman of the Enterprise Group, who conceived and followed through with the idea.
Mick O'Toole outlined the history of the project and explaining how it was finalised by a generous donation from the Community Childcare Facility. He also praised the quality of workmanship of
the contractor, Justin Townsend from Harrow Cross, and local grounds man Sheamie McGrath
for his efforts in maintaining this area in addition to the church grounds.
On completion of the ceremony Billy Nolan was presented with a commemorative plaque
by Pat Nolan, treasurer of the Enterprise Group.
Then, on the way to tea and sandwiches, there was a surprise for Fr. Whelan.
Fr. Whelan was made a patron of the Childcare facility and a plaque was erected to celebrate this.
He joins in with President Mary McAleese to be remembered by the community.
Fr. Whelan was given a souvenir of the occasion by Helen Murphy, manager of the Childcare facility.
And now with lighting...11/6/09
A "ten out of ten" job completed 4/6/09
The
walkway has now been paved to a very high standard linking the Church
with the Community Centre.
As
well as providing an easy access to the two facilities it is a positive
enhancement
to the overall appearance of the village.
Full marks to the organisers Mick O'Toole and Pat Nolan of Ballon Enterprise
Group.
It
will now be extended, with the help of the childcare facility, to encompass
the area around the temporary room.