Today April 27th 2016, Thurles Town Park was officially opened by Councillor Mr Seamus Hanafin, Cathaoirleach (English Trans. – Chairperson) of Tipperary County Council and Councillor Mr John Hogan, latter Cathaoirleach of the local Templemore-Thurles, Municipal District.
Proceedings began, in splendid sunshine, with the officially blessing of the park by His Grace Archdiocese, Kieran O’Reilly, SMA, (Archbishop of Cashel & Emly). Following the official unveiling of a plaque to mark the occasion, those in attendance then retired to the ‘The Source’ exhibition centre, to address all those in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Mr Hanafin praised the ‘tremendous foresight’ of all involved down through the years, in ensuring that this dream for Thurles truly became a reality. In particular he thanked St Patrick’s College, through college custodians His Grace, Archdiocese, Kieran O’Reilly and Fr. Tom Fogarty (St Patrick’s College President), for ensuring that the site was made available. He was also strong in his praise of Templemore/ Thurles Administrator Mr Michael Ryan and former Thurles U.D.C. Manager Mr Tom Barry, who ensured that the necessary funding was kept securely in place to support this overall planning project going forward to completion.
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Councillor Hanafin pointed out the various modern amenities now being made available to everyone; Play and Sporting areas; Seating areas; Free Exercise facilities; New Bridge offering pedestrian only access to the town centre / Short-cut to the south of the town and not least, an area retained for natural flora/ fauna and other naturally occurring insect & wild life.
Councillor Mr John Hogan spoke of his strong past memories of the old car-park area as a schoolboy; again pointing out the huge benefits that this new amenity now afforded the people of Thurles; not just our youth but also our elderly; our parents with young children; our visitors of all ages, entering into our local community.
In attendance also Mr Joe MacGrath (C.E. Tipperary Co. Council), congratulated his staff on their professional leadership, in bringing to full fruition, this newly completed project. He also hinted that the revitalisation of Liberty Square in the town could begin as soon as the end of this year or very early in 2017, subject to agreement by all relevant stake holders.
Speaking on his Facebook tonight, Mr Michael Lowry TD, who also attended the official opening, concurred with remarks made by Councillor Hanafin, stating; “A huge debt of gratitude is due to all the businesses of Thurles; their support body Thurles Chamber; former and present Town Councillors and their officials, in making this tremendous park amenity a reality.”
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