A new chapter in community spirit and development for the 21st century dawned in Ballindaggin village this morning where Minister Paul Kehoe performed the official opening of Ballindaggin Community Park in the presence of many parishioners who had attended Mass in St. Coleman’s Church celebrated by Bishop Denis Brennan and local parish priest Fr Jim Fegan.

Minister Paul Kehoe and Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan at the opening of Ballindaggin Community Park.

Minister Kehoe said it was a privilege to attend and he congratulated the organising committee and thanked the local priest for making the land available for the good of the community.
Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Vice-chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and a native of the parish, was full of praise for the volunteers and the committee members who worked diligently with the County Council over the past three years to make the dream become a reality.
Speaking on behalf of Cllr Keith Doyle, Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy echoed similar sentiments and wished the community of Ballindaggin well in all their future endeavours.
Thomas Rafter, Chairman of Ballindaggin Development Group, offered special thanks to “the committee members and committed volunteers who gave their time freely to make this dream become a reality.”
Mr Rafter concluded; “Our aim is to create a community spirit in an atmosphere where people would feel a sense of pride and achievement in the local area.”
Joe Walsh, who acted as master of ceremonies, outlined the path the project had taken from May 2015 when the concept of the Community Park began until today, when the official opening took place.
The proposed plans were approved at a meeting in December 2016 and immediately an application was made for Sports Capital and Town and Village Grants and construction work commenced in February 2018.
The facilities include a playing pitch, tunnel and table tennis units within the playground network, and walkways.
The energetic committee who brought the project to fruition consists of Thomas Rafter (Chairman), Joe Walsh (Secretary), Paul Redmond (Treasurer), John Murphy, John Rafter, Dan Doyle, Pat Breslin, Tom Hipwell, Eugene O’Connor, Eamon Frayne, Jim Byrne, Peter Byrne, Fr Jim Fegan, Paul Pender, Syl Hipwell and Liam Jordan.
Ballindaggin Pipe Band were present and concluded the ceremony with the playing of the national anthem while all parishioners and guests were treated to refreshments afterwards in Ballindaggin Community Centre.
AUDIO ADDITION; Native of Ballindaggin, CLLR KATHLEEN CODD-NOLAN expresses her delight at the opening of the Community Park and urges other parishes and villages to explore opportunities through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme fostered by Wexford County Council. Interview by DAN WALSH.