There was a great sense of celebration in Laghey as the playground, sensory garden and sports facilities were formally opened by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Pupils from St Eunan’s NS and Glebe NS joined the local community, clergy and local representatives for a day marking a fantastic community achievement. Desmond Kee from the playground committee told those gathered: “When we started on this journey nine years ago, we had a few ideas, no money and a very poor understanding of what was involved. But they say ignorance is bliss!” READ NEXT: Grab a great bargain, support cancer patients, reduce waste this Easter in Donegal The support of the community was vital, and from fundraising to support in many shapes and forms, there was a real sense of meitheal throughout the project, Desmond said.  He thanked Archdeacon David Huss and the church vestry for use of the field, and Rocky Allen and John Curran of Allen Curran Architects.  “They gave an awful lot of their time for nothing,” he said. “ Without their help we would have failed at the first hurdle and I really want to thank Rocky sincerely for all the time and effort he put in.” Desmond also thanked the planning, finance and community development staff in Donegal County Council and the team at DLDC. He added: “We had great support and encouragement from our county councillors, and exceptional help and assistance from our friend Cllr Micheál Naughton. He was on the case from the start., He really wanted this delivered for the community. You can also take pride in what is here today, Micheál.” Desmond gratefully acknowledged funding from Clar for the sensory garden, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the playground and sports pitch, and the Climate grant for new windows, doors, lights and insulation in the church hall. “It was a bit overwhelming at one stage that we had three projects going on at the same time but I sincerely want to thank the minister and the department forplaceholder image
There was a great sense of celebration in Laghey as the playground, sensory garden and sports facilities were formally opened by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Pupils from St Eunan’s NS and Glebe NS joined the local community, clergy and local representatives for a day marking a fantastic community achievement. Desmond Kee from the playground committee told those gathered: “When we started on this journey nine years ago, we had a few ideas, no money and a very poor understanding of what was involved. But they say ignorance is bliss!” READ NEXT: Grab a great bargain, support cancer patients, reduce waste this Easter in Donegal The support of the community was vital, and from fundraising to support in many shapes and forms, there was a real sense of meitheal throughout the project, Desmond said.  He thanked Archdeacon David Huss and the church vestry for use of the field, and Rocky Allen and John Curran of Allen Curran Architects.  “They gave an awful lot of their time for nothing,” he said. “ Without their help we would have failed at the first hurdle and I really want to thank Rocky sincerely for all the time and effort he put in.” Desmond also thanked the planning, finance and community development staff in Donegal County Council and the team at DLDC. He added: “We had great support and encouragement from our county councillors, and exceptional help and assistance from our friend Cllr Micheál Naughton. He was on the case from the start., He really wanted this delivered for the community. You can also take pride in what is here today, Micheál.” Desmond gratefully acknowledged funding from Clar for the sensory garden, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the playground and sports pitch, and the Climate grant for new windows, doors, lights and insulation in the church hall. “It was a bit overwhelming at one stage that we had three projects going on at the same time but I sincerely want to thank the minister and the department for

In Pictures: Fantastic day for Laghey as minister cuts ribbon on play park

Siobhán McNamara
By Siobhán McNamara

DonegalLive multimedia journalist

Published 27th Mar 2026, 17:37 GMT

'When you actually get that bit of paper that says you got a final grant, permission to go ahead, it is overwhelming because you have spent so long in the wilderness'

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

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Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

18.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

19.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

20.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

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