Latest Laois Event: New Community playground opens in Borris in Ossory

Two local Gaelscoil Shlí Dála pupils’ name chosen for new facility

Tuesday, 20^th June 2023 saw the official opening ceremony of ‘An Ríocht Spraoi, Borris in Ossory Community Playground, at Ossory Court, Borris in Ossory by An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Thomasina Connell MCC. This facility is an excellent example of the work of a community, which not only identified a need in their area but also worked tirelessly to be able to address that need in difficult and challenging times. It is an example of what can be done when communities and agencies work together to provide facilities that will benefit not just the children of Borris in Ossory but also the children of the surrounding communities.

The playground and multi-use games area, which cost €275,000 to develop is located in a wonderful town centre site was uniquely designed by Sole Sport & Leisure and will be a focal point of activity to bring children to play in a safe environment, where they can have hours of fun.

“This project shows that community spirit is alive and growing in Borris in Ossory.  It portrays the village as having a community with a sense of purpose; a much-needed facility in the deflated times we now find ourselves in”, stated Thomasina Connell MCC, An Cathaoirleach LCC.  She complimented the efforts of Borris in Ossory Community Development Association in bringing the project to fruition and showing true community leadership in the process.

The Playground name ‘’Ríocht an Spraoi’ (Kingdom of Play) was selected following a competition held for the local school children and two students Fia and Lughaidh from St Patrick’s NS, Gaelscoil Shlí Dála were the winners and had the honour of cutting the ribbon along with other local children.

All the speakers on the day enthused about the location and design of the facility and wished all the children and young people many hours of enjoyment.  They complimented the tenacity of Borris in Ossory Community Development Association in never giving up on their dream of a play facility for local children.  David Fitzpatrick, Chairperson, Ossory Community Development Association, paid special thanks to Mr Nicholas Bergin, for his generosity in leasing the site on along term basis to the local community and the generosity of the Dioceses of Ossory for providing car parking for the facility. Additionally, Mr Fitzparick, thanked Laois Partnership and Laois County Council for their help in securing both LEADER and Sports Capital Funding and further acknowledged the generosity of the local community who raised over €30,000 locally towards the project.  He expressed additional gratitude to Laois County Council who have agreed to insure and manage the facility.  

The playground and MUGA will be open every day during daylight hours and it is hoped that this facility will continue to bring fun and enjoyment to the families of Borris in Ossory and surrounding areas for many years to come.  For further information please contact: sports@laoiscoco.ie or 057 8664058