Conroy Park 50th celebrations

A very happy turnout of several generations celebrated the 50th anniversary of Conroy Park today, writes Brian Byrne. There was music, food and refreshments, and and no one worried about threatening rain that happily held off until the afternoon event finished.

Memories were shared, many prompted by the wall of photographs which showed some of those present as younger, and others sadly no longer with us.  "It's great to be here, to celebrate with neighbours and also to remember those who have passed," said Eilis Keogh. "It's a very emotional day for a lot of people — a lot of the time we gather for sad occasions, but today is a happy one with mothers and fathers, children and grandchildren, aunties and uncles. Many here are older people, but they're still up for the craic, still for the fun." She recalled that over the 50 years many new families moved in to Conroy Park, and they always fitted in. "There's a great sense of community, that's what Conroy Park is."

Antoinette Burke gave a brief welcome to everyone who attended, and thanked all those who were involved in making the occasion. "The place looks fabulous," she said. "Thank you to those who put up the bunting, who cleaned up the place, to the barbecue chefs, and to everybody who donated and brought things. And a very special thanks to Eilis, who got it going."

The 53 houses in the estate were the result of tireless lobbying by the late Mrs Mary Conroy, a Fine Gael councillor and Kilcullen resident. A short history of the estate noted that the first residents moved into the bottom half in April of 1974, and the upper section keys were handed over in December of that year. The playground area where the 50th celebrations were held was built on land donated by the late Andy Nolan, and built in 1978 with funds collected in one of the Lord Mayor campaigns.

Eilis Keogh recalled sports events in the estate while growing up, with residents from the two halves competing with each other. "Fifty years on, now there are great-grandchildren of original residents playing here. It is still a safe and friendly place to live, with neighbours looking out for each other."

Some of today's photos are featured on this page. All the Diary's pictures can be found here.  

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