Lotto set to relaunch as Swinford Amenity Park development continues

SWINFORD Amenity Park has proved an invaluable community asset during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Improvement works are continuing, with the old concrete fencing at the pitch having been replaced by a new fence, which has also enhanced the park's walkway.

The ongoing works are funded through the Swinford Community Lotto, which will recommence on July 6 with a jackpot of €10,000. And the lotto will also be available online through https://www.lottoraiser.ie/.

The amenity park is constantly striving to develop the facility for the community and it has provided a vital safe and secure space for people to exercise during the lockdown, with a 560m walkway and safe carpark.

The fencing contract which has enhanced the footway and pitch has cost €34,000 and was carried out by JNC Fencing from Tipperary. Their workmanship was excellent, and will bring the facility forward in the future.

The amenity park was set up in 1997 for the sole purpose of developing an unused site into a space that could maintain and promote sports and social interaction amongst people from the area and wider community.

Today, the pitch is the preferred venue for the Mayo senior ladies football team and is also home for Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC.

A 200m fully lit track has been provided and the completion of a large astroturf facility is earmarked for 2020.

Over the last 23 years, the project has been advanced in stages based on feedback from the users with the aim of keeping within a budget that doesn't burden the facility with unnecessary debt. Over 60% of the development to date has been funded locally through the community lotto.

The lotto is managed by Philip Durkin, director of the amenity park, with the assistance of Swinford Killasser Ladies and the Community Employment Scheme.

As the lotto recommences on July 6, all support is appreciated to continue the development of the park.