PLAY TIME: Ballyfinane locals are delighted with their brand new community playground which was officially opened recently.  

By Michelle Crean

There’s great excitement in one local community with the official opening of their brand new playground.

Ballyfinane National School in partnership with Ballyfinane Hall Committee received CLÁR Funding for a community playground.

The initiative is a partnership with the local school, the hall committee and Kerry County Council, who joined together to secure a suitable site. Funding for the playground was provided through the CLÁR initiative and from the local Tour de Ballyfinane which is organised by Ballyfinane NS Parents Association annually.

All the young boys and girls in Ballyfinane NS and the local community are overjoyed to have a playground on their doorstep and have given it the big thumbs ups.

Brendan Griffin TD officially cut the ribbon at 1pm on Friday, and those in attendance were entertained by traditional music and Irish dancing by the pupils of Ballyfinane NS.

Principal Catherine O’Shea said she is delighted with this new addition to the locality as it provides a great social outlet for families and gives the boys and girls a safe and fun place to play during breaks. “I know that this new playground has involved a tremendous amount of work and commitment – where enormous praise and gratitude must be given to the many people who have played a part in making this wonderful dream and facility come through for the children and community of Ballyfinane.”

Marie Edwards, Ballyfinane Parents Association, added that the playground is a great asset to their small rural community.

“It’s lovely for the children and people of Ballyfinane to have a focal point to meet. This would not have been achieved only for the fantastic community spirit and the hard work of the school, Board of Management, Parent’s Association, Kerry County Council and Ballyfinane Hall Committee.”