Cloonfad community to open memorial playground

THIS Sunday (May 29) at 2 p.m. the local community will gather to officially open the Elaine and Pa Bowens memorial playground in Cloonfad.

Located at the Cloonfad United soccer pitch on the Ballyhaunis road, the playground was built in memory of a young couple, Pa and Elaine Bowens.

Pa Bowens died tragically in 2015 following an accident and his wife Elaine passed away shortly after that in 2017 following a recurrence of brain cancer.

The local community rallied soon after Elaine’s death to raise money to build a playground in their memory. Elaine had been secretary on a committee set up trying to get a much needed playground built.

The community and surrounding areas, led by the incredible force that is 'Team Stritch', raised close to €120,000 and the playground has finally been finished and will open this Sunday.

The couple had two little boys, Jason and Adam, who will officially open the playground.

Also in attendance, Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice will address the gathering.

The day will be a family fun day with ice cream and coffee trucks, music, face painting and children’s characters with prizes for the best dressed children.