Cullion ‘opening the doors to laughter, joy, and memories’
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Attendees at the ribbon cutting at Cullion Community Playground on Sunday afternoon. Photos and article by Jay G FordeImage 2 of 14
The Gillen family in the new Cullion Community Playground, already popular with people in the area.Image 3 of 14
Rainbow over new the playground at Cullion on Sunday.Image 4 of 14
Andrea Corroon (Leader development officer), Amanda Gillen, and Cllr Aoife Davitt, who officially opened the playground.Image 5 of 14
Amanda Gillen, Cllr Aoife Davitt, Andrea Corroon, with help from Gerry Gillen perform ribbon cutting to formally open the playground.Image 6 of 14
Martin McGrenery, Robbie Gillen and Luke McGrenery.Image 7 of 14
Eoin, Dáire and, Seán Cantwell, and Mary Jean Gillen.Image 8 of 14
Kathleen and Isaac McGrenery, Amanda Gillen and Aoibhe and Luke McGrenery at the new playground on Sunday.Image 9 of 14
Fiona, Sophie, Sean, Anna Kathleen and Martin McGrenery were at Cullion GAA on Sunday for the official opening event.Image 10 of 14
Billy and Lee Kerrigan enjoying the new community playground.Image 11 of 14
Gerry Gillen, Mary Gaffney and Patrick Gaffney.Image 12 of 14
Sean Conneely, Mary Gaffney, Patrick Gaffney and Amanda Gillen.Image 13 of 14
James and Evan Clarke enjoying the swings in the new playground.Image 14 of 14
Thomas, Kaylee and baby Thomas Gillen.“Today marks the opening of doors to laughter, joy, and memories for years to come,” said Cllr Aoife Davitt when she performed the official opening of the new Cullion Community Playground on Sunday.
Cllr Davitt, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, is a former Cullion camogie player, and she performed the honours alongside local community leader Amanda Gillen, who spearheaded the project.
The event, delayed slightly to accommodate Cullion’s Senior B Hurling Championship match in Kinnegad earlier that afternoon, went ahead at 4.30pm despite rain showers.
Cllr Davitt said she was honoured to be invited to cut the ribbon because of her long-standing connection with the club. “The development of this playground is a fantastic achievement. It will not only benefit local families, it also help newcomers to the Mullingar area feel part of the Cullion community,” she said.
Amanda Gillen, who led the project on behalf of the Cullion Amenity Development Group, expressed delight at the strong community response. “The numbers already visiting the playground have exceeded expectations. Parents have been particularly impressed with the quality of the equipment and the surface,” she said.
Ms Gillen extended thanks to Westmeath Community Development, Leader development officer Andrea Corroon, Westmeath County Council, local councillors, and Cullion Hurling and Camogie Club, particularly Sean Conneely for their support.
She also praised The Downs Community Forum and Carley Kelly for their advice, Peter Maguire from Bunbrosna Community Service, and several local businesses and individuals, including Seán Delamere (Delamere Tree Services), Feichín Brennan (Brennan Tarmac), Micko Hynes (M+C Hynes Development), and engineer/architect Padraig McGrenery, whose expertise helped prepare the site and keep costs down.
“Without the incredible community spirit and financial contributions from our bond holders and local families, none of this would have been possible. Everyone pulled together, and the result is a playground that will serve generations to come,” Ms Gillen said.
Gerry Gillen, praised Amanda’s determination: “Without her drive and vision, this playground would never have happened,” he said.
Andrea Corroon also commended the project. “It’s fantastic to be here today. The amount of work everyone has put in is amazing, and this playground reflects exactly what Leader funding is all about supporting communities to achieve their vision,” she said.
In closing the ceremony, Cllr Davitt described the playground as “much more than a ribbon cutting”. She added: “Today marks the opening of doors to laughter, joy, and memories for years to come. This achievement is a testament to the commitment and determination of Amanda and the entire community.”