Community recognition for Breda

Community recognition of the commitment of a local woman to have recreational play facilities provided for the young people of the area has been unveiled at Newport Town Park and Playground.

Having campaigned for many year for a children's playground for the town, the official opening of the magnificent town park and playground last January was a day of pride and delight for Breda Lenihan.

On Saturday, a plaque, recognising her work was unveiled on one of the benches at the park, which has been sponsored by the community for that purpose.

The End of Summer Party, organised by the Newport Town Park Committee at their fabulous facility on Saturday afternoon last for the whole community was an appropriate occasion for the celebration.

Local Cllr Fiona Bonfield said that it was an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of Breda Lenihan who campaigned strongly many years ago for a children's playground in the town, and the community sponsored one of the benches in the park upon which was unveiled the plaque.

She acknowledged the representations that were received from Breda and the playground committee over the years and how she worked tirelessly with Alan Kelly, TD and the council to ensure the town would have one of the best facilities in the country.

“Breda Lenihan’s name will always be linked to this facility,” Councillor Bonfield commented.

There was a great turnout to enjoy the community spirit for the afternoon in pleasant weather conditions.

The youngsters and adults all enjoyed an afternoon of music, song and dance where Molly O’Connell entertained the crowd for over two and a half hours and the children were all treated to a free ice cream on the day.