Free activities in park for flag-raising

A host of activities - all free - are to take place in Mullingar's Town Park tomorrow Friday.
The events run from 2pm to 5pm, and have been arranged as part of the ceremony during which a Green Flag is raised at the park.
There is a free public swim session in the pool, a "Cycle Safe" workshop with the Westmeath Sports Partnership, a Green Dog Walkers promo and fun workshop, a fire engine display, a showcase of Richie Clarkek works, a book reading with Dolores Keaveney, and a monster doodle.
The new Green Flag will be raised by Mullingar mayor, John Shaw.
Mullingar Town Park was in June named as one of 22 from around the country that is to receive the Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Awards is the mark of a quality park or green space recognised throughout the world.
Last year saw the initial trial introduction of the Green Flag Award for Parks Scheme into Ireland, with a pilot run jointly with Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, and the Office of Public Works.
Building on the success of the six pioneer parks in 2015, this year has seen more than a threefold increase in the number of Irish parks awarded the international standard of excellence.
The 2016/17 season is the first time that this international award has been available to public parks, country parks, cemeteries and green spaces across the whole country.
The Green Flag Awards are judged every year by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.