Sunday 18^th June 2023, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

Sporting greats took to the field in Fethard, Co. Tipperary on Sunday afternoon to put the perfect celebratory seal to the official opening of the fantastic new multipurpose sport and recreation campus at Fethard Town Park.

The official launch, performed by Minister Heather Humphreys, TD marks the first project to receive funding under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund to be completed in Co. Tipperary. The €3million funding awarded by Minister Humphrey’s department is testament to the positive impact Project Ireland 2040 is having on rural development across the country.

Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive, Tipperary County Council congratulated everyone involved in the Fethard Town Park project stating ‘Today’s official opening is yet another example of Project Ireland 2040 in action. This facility has been many years in the making, but now it is finally delivered thanks to the hard work and determination of all stakeholders. Fethard Town Park will not only improve health and wellbeing of the community, it will also attract new residents, visitors and business investment to the area which is good news for locals and for the region.’ Mr. MacGrath said that ‘this project would not have been possible had it not been for the strong vision, support and commitment of the Magnier Family’.

The once derelict site adjacent to schools and residential areas has been transformed into a 26-acre park with two full-size playing pitches, training areas, 3km of walking pathways, community pavilion with changing facilities, café, gym, fitness studio: sensory garden, expansive parkland, and car parking. The phased project, which opened facilities incrementally over the last 12months, already boasts 2,500 users per week and is the Regional Centre of Excellence to Munster Rugby, Tipperary GAA, Tipperary Ladies Football and home to the many local clubs, groups, and schools in Fethard.

In addition to public funding, the project has also been supported by the Magnier Family, of the Fethard based thoroughbred racehorse breeding operation, Coolmore. Speaking at the launch, John Magnier said ‘Our support for Fethard Town Park is part of a broader commitment to the local area and the local people to deliver a legacy for future generations. We are delighted with how the park turned out and the extensive usage it is getting’.

With a specific focus on health & wellbeing, Fethard Town Park welcomed a ‘who’s who’ of international, national, county and community members to tog out in a ‘A Game of Two Halves’ to mark the occasion. On -field combatants included Rachael Blackmore, Seamie Callinan, Dorothy Wall, Eoin Kelly and a host of players representing local clubs and groups who showed their support for Fethard Town Park.  Match Commentator was Sports Journalist Joanne O’Riordan with Fergal Horgan ‘temporarily’ coming out of retirement to referee. Epsom Derby, Grand Slam and the recent Munster Rugby URC Cups were also present for sought after fan photographs.

Speaking on the day, Cllr Roger Kennedy, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council, said “The Council are delighted to be involved in this fantastic amenity for the people of Fethard and surrounds and it is a perfect example of the local community working in partnership with Tipperary County Council and other key stakeholders to deliver for their future needs”.

-ENDS-

Further contact

Fethard Town Park – Caroline Madden info@fethardtownpark.ie

Tipperary County Council – Ger Walsh ger.walsh@tipperarycoco.ie