Lá Sugradh, a free Family fun/play day took place last Saturday in THE Castle Park. Organised by Kilkenny County Childcare Committee with partners, Kilkenny Castle, OPW, Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Sports and Recreation Partnership and HSE, the event was a rip roaring success according to many of the hundreds of families who attended. The event was hosted to promote outdoor fun as part of the fortnight of events to celebrate National Play Day.
As in previous years lots of ‘play stations’ were dotted around the park, which on was thronged with families who came from near and far to join in the fun. The ever popular Neil De Burca engaged the crowd with his fantastic storytelling while arts and craft stations were always busy with children making and doing. Animal magic were there too, entertaining everyone with their amazing collection of birds of prey as well as many reptiles, and bunnies and hedgehogs!!
To celebrate international year for biodiversity, the Heritage office sponsored the Butterfly and Bug station where ecologist Billy Flynn encouraged children and adults to locate bugs in some ingenious and fun ways. Children then identified them while Billy explained lots of interesting facts about our miniature wildlife and their importance to us.
Added to the above was Tai Chi, African Drumming, traditional games, tag rugby, soccer, croquet and the ever popular scavenger hunt. It was a day packed with interest for people of all ages.
The publication Kilkenny Kids was also launched on the day which was another item of interest to parents and children.
Thanks was expressed to the Army personnel at Stephens Barracks who provided equipment and services on the day. along with the Fire Services, ambulance team and all the volunteers who helped to make Lá Sugradh a wonderful day.
