Una Lyons who won the best dressed prize as Rizzo with Iseult Collins in a vintage dress. Photos: Anna Groniecka

Grease is the word in a West Cork town

Clonakilty residents donned their finery recently at a retro ‘Grease’ themed sing-along movie night to raise funds for a new playground for the town.

The sold-out fundraiser was held at the Clonakilty Park Cinema and paid homage to the much loved 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Guests were invited to dress up as their favourite characters and immerse themselves in a private viewing of the sing-along-version of the movie. The night also included a drinks reception with raffle prizes, including an award for best dressed, with guests digging deep into their pockets to ensure vital funds were raised.

The funds raised will go towards replacing the town’s existing playground for which local families have expressed high levels of dissatisfaction. The new playground will have a focus on an inclusive design that caters for all, with accessible equipment and a sensory play area as part of Clonakilty’s plan to be an autism friendly town. The design is based on research which shows that there are cognitive, social, physical and mental health benefits to children from outdoor play. The evening was hosted by The Clonakilty Playground Fundraising Committee which has so far raised €125K from public and voluntary sources. The committee is now relying heavily on the goodwill and support of the community and local businesses to raise the remaining €65k before their public funding deadline is up.

Orla O’ Donovan from The Clonakilty Playground Fundraising Committee said the funds raised at events like this will help hugely in securing a new state of the art playground in the heart of Clonakilty.

She said: “After years of neglect we hope the community will pull together to raise enough money to provide the local children with the play space they so desperately deserve.

“The pandemic has brought an even stronger focus to the importance of free, public outdoor facilities, especially for children and young people whose level of physical activity and mental health decreased during this period.” Fundraising efforts were set back with the pandemic, but the committee is now back on track with a wide range of upcoming events planned for the town.

To donate to the Clonakilty Playpark, visit idonate.ie/6098_clonakilty-playground.html or businesses can DM @clonakilty_playground on social media to arrange a direct wire transfer and receipt.