PLAYGROUND BRIDGE: L-r: Dr. Tomas Cavanagh, Cllr. Deirdre O'Brien, William Hughes and landscaper, John Doran, admiring the new bridge which has been built in the Cork Road Playground, Fermoy. (Pic: John Ahern)

Known as ‘the Old Pool’ area of Fermoy, this plot of land on the southside of the town (close to Cork Road) now serves as a community playground. It took a lot of campaigning by locals to get such an amenity in place and much of the credit for making it a reality goes to the Cork Road Residents’ Association.

The latest addition to the playground is a very attractive bridge that fits in perfectly to its surroundings. Chairman of Cork Road Residents’ Association, William Hughes, always believed the bridge would enhance the playground. Thanks to help from Cllr. Deirdre O’Brien, William led a delegation that got an opportunity to put their case before the municipal authority (Cork County Council).

Council personnel approved the plans and thanks to the expertise of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, the bridge was built. Workers had to contend with some bad weather, however, they pressed on regardless.

“We are all delighted with how it turned out, it was a great team effort,” William told The Avondhu this week.

As well as backing from the Cork Road Residents’ Association, the support of Dr Tom Cavanagh was vital. The man who provided technical assistance to the bridge project was landscaper, John Doran from Kilworth. John provided his services free of charge.

Commenting on the finished product, Cllr O’Brien remarked: “This is an example of a community working together for the betterment of Fermoy.”