New lawns facility opens in Cleveragh

A new 4 lane Lawn Bowls facility in Cleveragh Park was officially opened on Saturday with a large group in attendance to celebrate the launch. Lawn Bowls is not a sport or past- time you would readily associate with Sligo and the Northwest, but since the day this facility was planned, it has attracted widespread interest and attention from many community groups and existing indoor Bowling clubs. Representatives from the Bowling League of Ireland showcased the various aspects of the game and rules with an exhibition game. This was followed by a ‘ Come and Try’ opportunity where local Bowling enthusiasts tried out the sport. The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Hubert Keaney officially opened the facility and commended everyone associated with delivering the project for Sligo and said it is “a wonderful addition to our outstanding range of sporting and recreational facilities. While lawn bowls is probably just emerging as a recognised past- time, this excellent facility will attract great interest from the local community, and the Age- friendly’ nature of the game will ensure it will be a very popular attraction.” Among the guest speakers were Ciaran Hayes Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Shane Califf Sport Ireland, Emer Concannon Parks Department Sligo County Council and Deirdre Lavin Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership all of whom highlighted the importance of a healthy and active life- style, and the opportunity that the new Bowls facility will present for people of all ages and ability levels to keep active as part of their daily lives. This development of the Lawn Bowls facility represents a joint initiative involving Sligo County Council and Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership enabled through funding from Sport Ireland, Dormant Accounts, Department of Environment and Cranmore Regeneration Office and the project is part of the Sligo East City Community Sports Hub. The facility development was overseen by the Parks Department in Sligo County Council. In supporting the development of the game of Lawn Bowls, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership has planned a six week introductory programme in Lawn Bowls for adults at the new facility starting next Saturday 24th September from 10.30am to 12 noon. Instructors will be on hand each Saturday morning. All adults are welcome to come along and try out the sport. Email diane@ sligosportandrecreation. ie