National award for Ballymahon-Forgney Community Games

There were celebrations in south Longford last weekend as Ballymahon-Forgney Community Games picked up the National Overall Area Award at the National Community Games Gala Awards.

The event, which was held at the Mullingar Park Hotel last Saturday night and hosted by Tony O’Donoghue of RTÉ Sport, also saw Ballymahon-Forgney take top honours in the Leinster section.

“It’s the first time in the history of the National Community Games Awards that County Longford has won these titles,” said Ballymahon-Forgney Community Games Committee Chairperson, Shirley Moloney.

“We’re absolutely delighted; for us it’s the equivalent of bringing home the Sam Maguire. We’re still in shock - to bring home the overall award is brilliant.

“The Steps to Health Gold Award contributed to us winning the Leinster and Overall Award, as well as the overall participation of children in the Ballymahon-Forgney area.”

Legan-Ballycloughan Community Games also made the honour roll on the night by winning the National Small Area Recognition Award, while two Community Games activists from County Longford were recognised for their efforts: Shirley Maloney received the National Adult Volunteer Award, while the Youth Volunteer Award was awarded to Aisling Green.

“Longford Community Games was very well supported on the night by the areas and by local political representatives, and the celebrations went on till late!” Ms Moloney concluded.