Celebrations after "brilliant" news for Longford's pétanque community

There was plenty of celebration for Longford’s Pétanque group, who received confirmation from Longford County Council that their temporary strip in the Mall would be replaced.

Instead of cancelling the event that was supposed to save the game, Shane Collins, who helps coordinate the group, decided to use the event as a celebration to thank the council for their cooperation.

PICTURES | Longford's astroturf fundraising efforts for national school continue

The event took place on October 22, between 12pm and 1pm at the Mall, where the original strip was. There, people played boules and were being tutored by members of the Pétanque group. They had a tent up, speakers for music, as well as food to be enjoyed to celebrate that a new strip would be provided.

There were nothing but positive responses by those who were present at the event. The ‘Longford Leader’ went around to chat to some of the individuals who came to celebrate the event.

“I think it’s brilliant,” said Stephen McNally, from Longford Sports Partnership, when asked about his reaction to a new spot. My role is with older people and people with chronic conditions so this fits nicely into that, that they have a space to come that’s safe and busy. Petanque is a really good exercise, so it’s brilliant.”

Sgt James Rowan came to play, who often plays whenever he is in France. He stopped to make a comment about why the game is important for the community.

“It’s an all-inclusive sport, and it’s a great initiative for Longford,” he commented before going to join the players, where he got to showcase his skills.

Mike Mutner, a New Yorker who brought pétanque to Longford and also a member of the Irish Pétanque Association, was also enjoying the event. He focused on how important the sport is for all generations to build longstanding interest.

“We’re trying to cater to all ages and start them young. That’s what they do in France and the World Champions.

“I played when I reached retirement age. I was living around Dublin. When I came here, although we had plenty of clubs in there (the Leisure Centre), there were none out here. To play, I’d have to go to Athlone or Cavan. I saw they had this unused, outdoor bowling piece which had artificial turf in disrepair. They’d taken the skin off it and it was just some drainage pipes. I approached Stephen McNally and Donal Mulligan in the Longford Sports Partnership.”

Bryan Lenehan, from the LCRL, responded to the site’s relocation as great news for the community.

“We support the group, so the news that they will be allocated a new space is absolutely great.”

The land had been provided on a temporary basis, but when news came that the Mall’s car park was being expanded, the group were using the event to advocate for a new spot as one had not been guaranteed until very recently.

Michelle Brady, who works at St Christopher’s as a recreational instructor, spoke in depth about the importance of a spot to play pétanque. One of the service users, Seamus, got involved and was supportively taught by the other members and has been playing since May. She emphasised how locations like this automatically create an inclusive community beyond St Christopher’s premises.

Read more: Richly deserved: Longford volunteer recognised for 27 years of coaching dedication

“Seamus is part of the team. The lads have taught him how to play. They actually bought him his own boules as well. He comes down every Wednesday with his carer. It’s Seamus’s thing and we’re delighted. It’s very inclusive.”

Seamus also attended competitions over the summer, showing how much value a site has for the Longford community to increase interest but foster a welcoming environment.

Longford County Council had responded with the following when asked back in early October:

“The Boules area will be moved to extend the car park. The Boules area will be relocated adjacent to the new carpark extension. Works on this is planned for Q1 2026.”