Craic On

The community park here in the village has been a welcomed addition since it’s opening in 2013. Not only serving families from the village but the wider community at large.

With a wide range of fun activities in the park, a number of these are useable for children with disabilities. However there was nothing suitable for wheelchair users. And so the committee at the park, their volunteers, resource center staff and the community came together, and a number of fundraising events were held to purchase and install a ‘wheelchair accessible swing.’ Over €8000 was raised with events such as a charity wax, tractor run, quiz and other activities. The volunteers worked tirelessly as always to succeed. All done in just 3 months too.

That success was in place yesterday when young wheelchair user, Mason Doherty officially opened the newly purchased and installed swing. The smile on Mason’s face was reward enough for all the hard work that went in over the past three months. Perhaps even a few tears were shed in pride of this amazing achievement.

Father Farren, Mayor Jack Murray, and a host of councilors, An Garda Siochaná and members of the community turned out to welcome and applaud the official opening. Father Farren spoke of the importance of protecting and supporting the vulnerable in our community and praised our community for working so well together.

This hard work by the team involved at Muff Community Park has allowed our local park to be one of inclusivity. A very important attribute to associate with our community, our people and most importantly our children.

Credit must surely go to young Mason yesterday for his maturity and his very presence in being the one to cut the ribbon and to take the first swing. He was a very fitting and delightful young man as he carried out his duty to perfection.

Here’s wishing Mason and many more wheelchair users much fun and laughter as they use the new swing.

And huge ‘well done’ to everyone who made it possible.

GMcC