Highfield Park Residents Association

Newsletter, July 2018

Hurray for Highfield!

The ‘Family Fun Day’ lived up to its name again this year! Festivities started with a picnic for residents on the main
green. This was followed by a Treasure Hunt around the estate for children, then different running competitions, the
sack race and a soccer match. Parents and grandparents watched on as over a hundred children participated in these
different fun events.
As part of National Bike Week, An Mheitheal Rothar (Galway's Bike Workshop) held the ‘Sprocket Rocket’ event, to
teach bike skills to young cyclists. The success of the Family Fun Day and Galway City Cycling Criterium depends on
the support of Galway City Council and the residents of Highfield Park. Other important sponsors included Highfield
Builder (Frank Fitzgerald), Martin Divilly Butchers, City Bin Company and Corrib Oil.

Big thanks to the City Council

HPRA enjoys a great working relationship with Galway City Council. We
would like to acknowledge the work of the Council in Highfield this year and
their sponsorship of the ‘Family Fun Day’.
A special word of thanks to the Parks & Environment who did great work keeping our greens
in trim and sweeping the roads in preparation for the cycle races. Many commented that the
Estate was never looking better.
Clean-up Days
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the recent Spring
clean-up around the Estate.
Annual HPRA dues
How quickly the year passes! It’s that time of year again… the
Annual dues of €40 will be collected in early July by your Street
Representative.

 Drawing on Highfield talent
You have been set an artistic challenge… to exhibit an item or two in our
forthcoming exhibition!
We are inviting residents of all ages to submit up to two works to the ‘Highfield
Showcase’. Submissions may vary from painting and photography to handmade
crafts such as knitting and woodwork. An exhibition will take place next
February in the local Westside library. To register your interest, contact either
your Street Rep or send an email to hpragalway@gmail.com.

New HPRA committee

The new HPRA Chairperson is Ronan Mac Gearailt, while Ann Marie Cleere is secretary and Christine Ritter is
Treasurer.
The current HPRA Street Representatives are:
Rivendell – Seán Leonard, 15 Rivendell & Mark Campbell, 14 Rivendell.
Oakley Crescent – Joe Corless, 18 Oakley Crescent.
Ardmore - Cathy McMenamon, 15 Ardmore Road.
Avondale - David Greeley, 6 Avondale Road.
Cedarwood Close – Pauline O’Reilly, 17 Cedarwood Close & Olive Bradley, 22 Cedarwood Close.
Rockmount Road – Nora Corbett, 27 Rockmount Rd.
Sycamore Drive - Bernie Kelly, 16 Sycamore Drive & Frank McHugh, 40 Sycamore Drive.
Beechmount Road / Avenue - Paul Tannian, 3 Beechmount Ave & Ann Marie Cleere, 16 Beechmount Road.
Volunteering can feel like a thankless task, so please support your street reps in their on-going work.

Critters Return!
Amid glorious June sunshine, the annual Galway Bay Cycling Club Criterium took place along with the HPRA Family
Fun Day. This unique challenge has become established on cycling calendar with competitors travelling from all over
Ireland. This type of cycling event is held in urban areas and is extremely challenging. Spectators were treated to a
series exciting Criterium or ‘Crit’ races. Straw bales were strategically placed along the course. Daring cyclists
negotiate obstacles, speed bumps, climbs, descents, and sharp turns at speeds in excess of 40
kph. In Highfield, the tight downhill corner at Avondale Road proved particularly challenging.
Cycling enthusiast and Tour de France commentator, Páidí Ó Lionáird was on hand to provide
an informative live commentary. Mick Ruane, presented medals on behalf of GBCC to winners
in the Youth, A4 Women, A3 Junior and A2/1 races.

New Highfield Park Residents Association Facebook page

Thanks to David Greely for creating a new Facebook page for Highfield Park
(@HPRAGalway). This complements the established Facebook page ‘I Grew Up in Highfield
Park, Galway’ set up by David Johnston and Paul O’Brien. In addition, the Highfield Park home
page is available at highfieldpark.ie and contains many bits and pieces from down the years.
Why not become and friend and contribute messages.

Green Leaf volunteers

The HPRA committee are looking at an initiative to develop green fingers for our youngest
residents. We hope to lead an educational project in which experienced gardeners mentor kids in the
basics of planting and maintenance. If you are interested in participating, mention it to your Street
Rep or email hpragalway@gmail.com

Pass it on… After you have finished with this newsletter, you might pass it on to a former resident.
The newsletter is funded by your Annual Dues. Thanks to Mark, Ronan and Susan for their contributions.
Well done to iSupply, Sea Road, for the great printing work!