New residents joined generations of local families at Ballinacor’s annual field day, which attracted its largest-ever crowd and highlighted the growing community spirit around the Glenmalure facility.

Organised by Ballinacor Community Project, the event has been running for more than a decade, but this year’s attendance was reportedly by far the biggest yet.

The day featured a water slide, Gaelic games with hot showers available afterward, face painting, and a football match, while attendees also enjoyed hot drinks and baked goods to warm up.

“The field day happens every year, but this was definitely the largest crowd ever experienced,” said Cllr Pat Kennedy, vice-chair of the Ballinacor Community Park Committee.

“It was a brilliant day, and it was wonderful to see so many people and families who are new to the area also attending. The park was full all day. Things kicked off with a future stars football game for boys and girls.

“We had a water slide, which all the kids absolutely loved. There was also an obstacle course and a soccer blitz.”

Alongside the more modern events, was a whole host of more traditional field day challenges, like horseshoe throwing, a tug of war and a host of children’s races.

In 2005, the Ballinacor Community bought approximately 10 acres of forestry, which had to be completely cleared and developed. It includes a full-size GAA pitch which is used by local football and camogie teams, but can also be used for any sport should the need arise.

“It’s a wonderful facility which local schools also use,” added Cllr Kennedy. “To date over €2 million has gone into the project from various grants, while the local community also contributed through their own fundraising efforts. A lot of voluntary labour from the community went into the park as well.

“We have a community centre, four dressing rooms, a referee’s room, a tuck-shop, a local gym, a basketball court, a tennis court and a playground. There is also a close to 1km walkway which goes down to the river and is a beautiful little nature walk.

“It’s great to see so many people driving to the community park to use the facility, and it’s particularly pleasing to see so many older people coming out to the park so they can enjoy a walk along the nature trail or catch up with friends.”