To ALL of the people who were a part of the BOULES COURT being put in place at Newbridge House recently well done! Great news! It started a few years ago with a conversation in France re playing Boules, with an old friend, PE teacher Tom Donlon, who was telling us about FCC putting in new courts in Bayside, where he lives, which he and some others had campaigned for! It sounded just perfect to put with the Croquet in Newbridge, so after he passed on all his knowledge, the campaigning began in earnest! Tom is coming out to us all in mid to late January, probably on a Wed afternoon to start to give us some instruction on the rules & coaching us on how to play properly! So, thank you to all the officials & Councillors, public representatives, community groups, activists and others who actually made it happen, what a welcome New Year present for our entire Community - especially those that have limited mobility, therefore have limited access to most sports. Fingal County Council in one week have put in a well located Boules Court beside the Croquet Lawn, exactly where it was requested. These two activities Boules & Croquet are complimentary and will form a little hub of activity at Newbridge Park.It is wonderful to have a facility which is truly inclusive, in that it has disability access on to the Boules Court and is close to the toilets and the cafe.Hopefully, along with some local groups having access, it will be possible to do casual advance booking of both of these facilities, like other parks, for many people both young and old in the wider community to come and enjoy these amenities.Fingal Parks Department Paul Smyth, Colm Connell and in particular, Therese Casey , Lourda Darcy and Aileen O Connor are to be complimented for the work they have done on this project in bringing it to fruition. Also, our local councillors Adrian Henchy, Paul Mulville, Rob O Donoghue and representative Corina Johnson, all who made representation for this Boules Court. Finally, the group that comprised members of LSA Jennifer Tanner, AAfA Carolyn Smith, & Men’s Shed Gerry Kiernan for their efforts in securing the Boules Court. Last, but not least thanks to Martin King Landscaping for his expert work on installing the Boules Court. Martin & Pat his assistant can be seen putting the final touches to the path leading to the court and are ready to use the machine for the final levelling.We are all eager to get going! If we are good we might even get another one next year from Santa - aka FCC! Slan & slainte, Breda (Dockrell) Donabate Portrane Liaison Group.