Amenity park an ever growing success for east Mayo community

SWINFORD Amenity Park enjoyed a busy year in 2024, with a number of developments, including a walkway upgrade that greatly benefits the community, and welcoming over 6,000 people alone to three Connaght LGFA finals.

And there's lots more in the pipeline for 2025, including the creation of a space for bowling and encouraging the elderly in the community to get involved in outdoor activity.

The members and directors of Swinford Amenity Park – Martin Tunney, Brendan Doyle, Philip Durkin and secretary Anne Tierney – have reported that a great deal to be proud of at the Amenity Park was achieved in 2024, and more progress for the community this year is planned, with the help of the public.

The community 'Pink Ticket' is your way of ensuring constant progress. You can purchase an annual ticket online from https://www.lottoraiser.ie/SwinfordCL. The cost is €100 for the full year, and you have a chance of winning the Swinford Community Lotto jackpot, which is currently €19,800, and supporting a community facility run by volunteers.

In 2024, the Community Employment Scheme took on a new supervisor, Martin Murphy, who is based at the Amenity Park. Martin has continued on in Pat O'Neill's footsteps of dedication and attention to detail, and the facility is blessed to have such a great team operating out of the Amenity Park.

The following were the key developments in 2024: the building was power washed and fully painted; a new emergency door was installed, with access to the toilets and dressing rooms; the stand was finally completed, with an increase of 50%, with assistance from Councillor Adrian Forkan and his GMA funding; the 560m walkway was upgraded at the rear of the stand to avoid the steps; a public announcement scheme was installed, to be used for Church Corpus Christi and match announcements.

Pitch maintenance was significant last year too, with the goal area upgrades and 150 tons of sand, costing €13,000. All the pitch and astro nets were replaced as well.

Elsewhere, there were increased numbers for the annual Corpus Christi parade and the first 'Blue Day' was held with all of the relevant blue services, which proved very successful. There was a very positive response and a huge crowd attended.

The highlight of the year for the pitch and home of Swinford/Killasser LGFA was the honour of hosting all three of the LGFA Connaught finals. In total, nearly 6,000 people attended these games, and it would not have been possible with help from the community. The games were presented to the highest of standards.

Last year also marked the 50th anniversary of the LGFA. The assistance of Swinford/Killasser LGFA in developing their home pitch and their contribution to their community is immeasurable. Their dedication and hard work throughout the years has ensured the development of the Amenity Park to such a high standard.

The first game played at the pitch was in 2006 – a minor A semi-final against Kilmovee, who were going for four in a row. Swinford/Killasser won the game, and went on to win the final too.

At the end of the year, €69,112 was awarded to finish the infield area of the completed track with a multi-use games area, finished with synthetic surface.

The aim now is to create space for bowling and to encourage the elderly in the community to get involved in outdoor activity. This project has to be completed by end of 2026 and will be progressed with the help of Swinford AC.

Next year will see progress on the full electrical upgrade of the building with electricity going to the containers, while harvesting and reusing of rainwater will start. The lower gated car access from the Kiltimagh Road will be blocked up and an area levelled and blocked up inside the wall, but a pedestrian entrance will be maintained at this location.

To all lotto supporters, walkers, footballers, coaches and volunteers, your unwavering commitment is greatly appreciated. Here's looking forward to another year of growth, teamwork and success!