Damage recalls Riverside Park opening

Last weekend's damage to the railings and wall in The Square, caused when a driver coming from the Naas direction became confused on the turn to the bridge, prompts a recall of the opening of the Riverside Park in the summer of 1977, writes Brian Byrne.

The opening was performed by Joe and Sadie McTernan, who had provided the funding for the railings and the seats. This was the report in The Bridge of July 1977. 

The opening of The Square riverside development by Joe McTernan marks another achievement in the life of Kilcullen Community Council and the people of our community.

The development cost £6,000 and was 12 months under construction. It replaces an old crumbling wall and weigh house with riverside waste ground and overgrown vegetation. It is an example of wonderful cooperation between statutory bodies, voluntary organisations and a Kilcullen business man.

When the construction began, funds were very low due to heavy financial outlay with playgrounds and the Valley Park. There was the need for finance for the aluminium protective railings and seats costing £2,800. On hearing of the problem, local business man Joe McTernan offered to sponsor the cost of the railings and seats — his sentiments were that the Community Council had done great work and he wanted to encourage them by getting involved; he also hoped that it would set a headline for business people in other towns to get involved to improve local amenities in their own areas.

Chairman of the Amenities Committee Jim Collins would like to sincerely thank Joe for his very generous financial support; it was a great morale boost to his committee. ERTO gave a £1,000 grant.

Construction was carried out by Kilcullen's ANCO Youth Employment Scheme under the supervision of Stephen Danagher. Matt Doran was in charge of the natural stone work. One hundred tons of stone from the Hill of Allen was used on the project. The Committee extend thanks to all who helped, to the residents of the Square for their patience during construction, to Mr Denis Kane of Non-Ferrous Metals Ltd for his advice with the railings, and to the people of our community whose generous financial contributions over the past years have made these projects possible.

Note from Jim Collins: The railings were fabricated by Liam Keogh in his own time in the workshop of The Irish Rubber factory.