GREAT DAY OF FUN AND GAMES AS BROOKVILLE MARKS 50 YEARS
They even came from Beijing too!
THEY came from all over Brookville and Beijing to celebrate 50 years of the northside estate last Sunday afternoon.
Hang on! - Beijing!
One group that travelled a little further than those across the road were members of the Aaron Soccer Academy in Beijing, now regular visitors to the town.
Former local soccer star Aaron Reynolds lives in China and set up the academy a few years ago.
They enjoyed the occasion and for chief organiser, Jenny Boylan, it was a memorable day.
‘I have to say, my son Charlie and his friends were the brains behind this,’ she stated.
They wanted a sports day and seeing that the first showhouse in Brookville opened 50 years ago this summer, it was perfect timing.
The event was the first of its kind in recent memory on the Brookville Green and Jenny thanked everyone who played a part.
Robert Synnott was a great help, marking the area for the football pitch and supplying equipment while Dominos Pizza backed it and neighbours came on board to act as supervisors, Freda Meehan in charge of the races.
Former Sunderland, Orient and Drogheda ace and local resident, Sean Thornton, was on hand to present the medals to the various race winners.
A number of the early residents also came out on the day, including Rose McEvoy, along with her daughter, Ann O’Neill.
Rose moved into the estate in 1969 and says it’s a great place to live.
‘It hasn’t changed much in that time but people have come and gone.
‘ There are quite a few of the original homeowners still here,’ she added.