The Ballinacurra Weston Residents' Alliance (BWRA) is delighted with the news that we were declared overall winner of the Limerick Community Challenge.
As the recipient of an Environmental grant of €1,000 from Limerick City Council the BWRA was invited to take part in the challenge to demonstrate the particular improvement that was made as a result of community effort in 2011.
With additional funding from the Parish Matching Grant Scheme the BWRA was able to purchase the equipment and materials necessary to establish a memory garden, which was the brainchild of resident Michelle Kirby. Residents came out in force over a number of rain free days in August and worked together to turn a derelict site into a beautiful garden. "A great effort was made by all, particularly the children of Ballinacurra Weston" said Matt Collins, chairperson of the BWRA.
"If it wasn't for the children the flowers would never have been planted in time for the community challenge closing date, we would also like to thank the staff and pupils of the School Completions Programme for giving a hand after class", added Matt.
With the walls painted, flowers planted and the light fading, local artist Cindy Fogarty painted a spectacular mural of the Blessed Virgin Mary on what used to be the wall of her grandparents back garden."We can't thank Cindy enough, she painted the mural in an hour and a half, it was amazing to watch. Residents' are coming now to say prayers and light candles, and every night children visit the garden to say good night to Our Lady. It just goes to show that community spirit is alive and well in Ballinacurra Weston" said Matt.
As the overall winner from the 30 entrants in the Community Challange the BWRA has been awarded €5,000, which was funded by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation.
"We've named our memory garden The Garden of Hope and the mural Our Lady of Hope, but we never dared to hope that we would win. The money will be spent on finishing the garden and on other beautification projects. We hope to install a plaque dedicated to the memory of residents that have died or that have left the area." said Cathal McCarthy, PRO with the BWRA.
"Working together and creating the garden was a great boost to the community, wining the challenge was the icing on the cake" concluded Cathal
Pictures of the garden are available at www.bwra.blogspot.com
ENDS
For Further Information contact:
Matt Collins 087 65 77 063
Cathal McCarthy 087 29 29 676
Visit www.youtube.com/RegenerationWatch
