Kilcullen estate celebrates 50 years of community

The sense of community that has made Conroy Park in Kilcullen a special place for five decades was evident at the recent 50th anniversary celebrations of the estate.

It was an intergenerational event where memories were shared against the background of many photographs mounted on the wall of the estate's playground area. 

"It's great to be here, to celebrate with neighbours and also to remember those who have passed," said Eilis Keogh, one of the organisers. 

"It's a very emotional day for many people — a lot of the time we gather for sad occasions, but today is a happy one with mothers and fathers, children and grandchildren, aunties and uncles. Many here are older people, but they're still up for the craic, still for the fun." She recalled that over the 50 years many new families moved in to Conroy Park, and they always fitted in. "There's a great sense of community, that's what Conroy Park is."

The 53 houses in the estate were the result of tireless lobbying by the late Mrs Mary Conroy, a Fine Gael councillor and Kilcullen resident. 

The first residents moved into the bottom half in April of 1974, and the upper section keys were handed over in December of that year. 

Eilis Keogh recalled sports events in the estate while growing up, with residents from the two halves competing with each other. 

"Fifty years on, now there are great-grandchildren of original residents playing here. It is still a safe and friendly place to live, with neighbours looking out for each other."

Fr Gary Darby blessed the estate, and Antoinette Burke thanked all who were involved in making the occasion. "The place looks fabulous," she said.

"Thank you to those who put up the bunting, who cleaned up the place, to the barbecue chefs, and to everybody who donated and brought things."