In 2022, Bruno Pierucci, impressed by the improvements made to the skatepark in Millennium Park, contacted Michael Tully, spokesperson for the Galway Skateboard Assocation, to discuss the benefits to the local community in Galway City East, of the potential of a Calisthenics gym.
At the time, Bruno was holding calesthenic classes in a children’s playground, on Lough Atalia Road, due to the lack of space to perform the activities involved. The classes were welcoming to everyone in the community, young and old.
Calisthenics is a form of strength training consisting of a variety of movements that exercise large muscle groups (gross motor movements ), such as standing, grasping, pushing, etc. These exercises are often performed rhythmically and with minimal equipment, as bodyweight exercises.
They are intended to increase strength, fitness, and flexibility, through movements such as pulling, pushing, bending, jumping, or swinging, using one’s body weight for resistance. Calisthenics can provide the benefits of muscular and aerobic conditioning, in addition to improving psychomotor skills such as balance, agility, and coordination.
Michael was so impressed with the benefits of classes for both old and young, he knew that if the City Council provided a gym for calisthenics to the people of Ballybane, it would make a big difference to people in the community. Not only do people benefit through getting stronger, which helps in every day life, they also benefit socially, by being part of a friendly and inclusive environment, where everyone is made feel welcome.
Michael took up the reins, researched, and set up a committee, with Elaine Harvey and John Rabbitte to campaign for a calisthenics gym, in the Castlepark area. The Galway City Council agreed that it would be beneficial to Galway, and Michael was delighted, when last year, Galway City Council approved the project.
This project has now become a reality, with works starting last week, with an estimated completion date by the end of March.
Michael would like to thank Bruno for bringing this issue to his attention, and to Galway City Council for making this dream a reality.
Michael Tully will be running in the upcoming local elections on June 7 2024 and will be seeking your support. He looks forward to meeting voters on the run in to the election and says he would be honoured to represent the Galway City East community in the council chamber.
