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

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!”

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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 the allocation of all these grants,” he said.

“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 and somebody has actually come along and is saying, ‘You’re not crazy. This will work, and we’re going to put money into it.”

Desmond said he was delighted when local company Pier Force Construction were awarded the contract. 

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“At the time we didn’t know how fortunate we were,” he said. “They went above and beyond because they were building it for their community. I really appreciate what Darragh and the lads done.”

Desmond acknowledged fellow committee members David Kee, Martha Armstrong, Howard Bustard and Thomas Given. This was met with much applause. 

Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD, Cllr Micheál Naughton said: “Days like this remind us of what can be achieved when communities work together with a vision in mind. This park is more than just a green space, it is a place where children can play safely, families will gather together, friendships will grow and memories will be made for years to come. This park belongs to you all.”

Before the ribbon was cut, Rev Angus McCullough, Archdeacon Rev David Huss, Rev John Montgomery and Rev Adrian Gavigan blessed the park.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary performed the official opening.

He said: “I am delighted to be here in Laghey in Donegal to officially open this community space. Funding of €250,000 was provided under my Department’s 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the creation of an outdoor recreational amenity. Further funding of €50,000 was provided under my Department’s 2023 CLÁR programme for a sensory garden.

“These projects go hand in hand in the provision of a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for families and friends to come together. I want to commend the Laghey Community and indeed Donegal County Council for your collaboration on these projects.  

“I was delighted late last year, to announce funding of over €26.2m under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Of this almost €900,000 in TVRS funding was allocated to Donegal County Council across four projects”.