Mayo village celebrates major community milestones

The village of Belcarra has celebrated a major community development milestone.

This past Saturday, August 17, Belcarra Village celebrated two significant milestones in its ongoing commitment to community development and volunteerism. 

The day saw the official opening of a new mixed-use games area (MUGA) alongside an exhibition showcasing over 60 years of participation in the National Tidy Towns Competition.

The day began with the official opening of the MUGA, a much-anticipated addition to the village's already impressive array of amenities. 

_{Belcarra Community Council member Mary Fitzgerald presenting a bouquet of flowers to Mary B Prendergast, Belcarra Tidy Towns Chairperson}

The MUGA, situated next to the existing playground and adjacent to the soon-to-be-completed sports field, represents a significant investment in the physical and social well-being of the community. 

This new facility will provide residents, particularly young people, with a dedicated space for a variety of sports and recreational activities.

At the event, Fionnán Nestor, Chairperson of Belcarra Community Council, spoke about the community's ‘dedication’ to improving local amenities. 

Senator Lisa Chambers and Councillor Donna Sheridan, Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, also addressed the crowd, emphasising the ‘importance of such developments’ in enhancing the quality of life in rural communities.

_{L-R:Fionnán Nestor, Mary Jo Cannon, Fr Brendan Kilcoyne, Mary Fitzgerald, Mary B Prendergast}

Minister of State, Alan Dillon, officially opened the MUGA on behalf of Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. 

In his speech, Minister Dillon commended the collaborative efforts that made the MUGA possible, highlighting the ‘critical’ support from a Clár grant, Mayo County Council, South West Mayo Development Company, and the ‘unwavering dedication’ of local volunteers and elected representatives.

Following the ribbon-cutting, Father Brendan Kilcoyne offered a blessing for the new facility.

Councillors Al McDonnell, Ger Deere, Harry Barrett and Michael Kilcoyne, supporters of community initiatives in Belcarra and the surrounding area, also attended the ceremony. 

After the MUGA's official opening, the event moved to Belcarra Community Centre where the community was celebrating over six decades of participation in the National Tidy Towns Competition, a testament to the village's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and community pride. 

An exhibition featuring photographs and documents chronicling the history of Belcarra's involvement in the Tidy Towns was on display, offering a nostalgic look back at the community's achievements and the tireless efforts of its volunteers.

_{Minister Alan Dillon presenting an Award to Pat Nestor in recognition of over 60 years as a compeditor in the National Tidy Towns competition (Photo: Trish Forde)}

Fionnán Nestor, Chairperson of Belcarra Community Council, and Mary Prendergast, Chairperson of Belcarra Tidy Towns Committee, both spoke at the event, reflecting on the village's journey and the invaluable contributions of its volunteers. 

Minister Dillon presented a commemorative plaque to Pat Nestor, the longest-serving member of the Tidy Towns Committee, in recognition of his decades of service.

The day’s events underscored the vibrant community spirit that defines Belcarra Village.