Fighting fit outdoors in Abbeyfeale

NEW OUTDOOR GYM FACILITY IN TOWN PARK OFFICIALLY OPENED

NO excuse exists in Abbeyfeale for wangling out of the New Year’s resolutions the far side of Christmas after the town unveiled a bright new array of cutting-edge outdoor gym equipment in the Town Park on Wednesday.

Installed in the summer, the new outdoor gym is already very well-subscribed, but it proved the focus of a wonderful community event on Wednesday as everyone with a hand in it gathered together, with Parish Priest Canon Tony Mullins performing the blessing.

“We were delighted with the official opening and the great turnout,” one of the Town Park overseers behind the project, James Hartnett, said.

“It’s comprised of 12 pieces of gym equipment altogether, with two of the pieces for wheelchair users, and it’s very accessible. It’s all located in a nice, sheltered part of the park, and it’s already being very well used.”

The gym was the brainchild of the local Active Retirement but is there for users of all ages. The retirement group put up €1,000 of the €14,000 cost, with €7,500 from Healthy Ireland ; €3,000 provided by Sinn Féin Cllr Seamus Browne from his own allocations; and the rest through fundraising.

“From a physical point of view it represents a full workout, each machine working a different set of muscles, and anyone can use it, no matter their ages,” James added. “But we got off to a bad start though eating delicious mince pies and whipped cream courtesy of Leen’s Hotel at the reception there after the opening!”

Photos by John Kelliher LEFT: Limerick Council Social Development Directorate officer Mo Foley Walsh officially opening the new outdoor gym in Abbeyfeale.BELOW RIGHT: Tess and Bill Lane of Kilconlea, Abbeyfeale, testing the new equipment.BELOW LEFT: Fr Casey’s GAA CE scheme workers who put it all into place, from left, Eddie Jordan, John F Dillane, John Casey, Terry Mahony, Dawn Brosnan, Patrick Smith, Joe Brosnan, Laurence Cronin, Jimmy Cahill, John Dillane and Peter Rowley Supervisor.