A great crowd gathered at the Sports Complex on The Farm, Kilmacow, on Sunday September 18 for the opening of the new bridge and the Fun Fiesta which followed.
Present to cut the tape to formally declare the bridge open was Mairead Rohan, community development officer of Kilkenny Leader Partnership. Ms Rohan complimented the Sports Complex Committee for its work in bringing the project of replacing the old bridge to conclusion. She also acknowledged the work of its constituent clubs for their support of the project.
Charlie Gaule, speaking on behalf of the Sports Complex Committee, thanked Kilkenny Leader Partnership for its funding support of the project and also thanked Ms Rohan for all her assistance and advice throughout the application process. He also thanked Vincent Morris of V Plant Construction which undertook the work on the bridge.
Representatives of the clubs and organisations looked on as the bridge was blessed by Fr Larry O’Keeffe before the crowd dispersed onto The Farm for an afternoon of entertainment and activity that made up the Fun Fiesta.
The Liam McCarthy Cup was present for a time and many local people were delighted to have their photographs taken with it in their grasp.
Among the many activities and entertainment available were archery, rifle range, rock climbing, face painting, and knock the cans. There was also a display of model aircraft, a dog show, and the chickens, hens, and pigs were a great attraction throughout the afternoon. There were athletic races and blitzes in hurling and soccer.
The crowds were entertained from the stage by the music of John Dunphy and friends.
