Fun in the sun at O’Kane and Culmore Park

THE sun shone brightly on Omagh’s O’Kane and Culmore Park on Saturday, providing the perfect conditions for their summer fun day.

This was the first time in two years that the CKS doors were unlocked, tables retrieved and gazebos erected.

Kathleen Colton, one of the longtime organisers of the tradition, said it was great to see the fun day return.

“It went well and everyone enjoyed themselves – it is a great chance to pull together and celebrate the sense of community that runs so deep in the park,” said Kathleen.

The process of organising the event was itself an expression of that community spirit.

“The boys helped lay out tables, gazebos and the likes,” continued Kathleen. “Myself and Michelle Drum done the cooking for some older residents who couldn’t get out of their houses, burgers and hot dogs were taken to them.”

thank you

Kathleen gave a special thank you to Maria McCullagh whom she credited as ‘chief organiser’.

“If it wasn’t for Maria it would have been very tough to get the day sorted,” explained Kathleen. “She works hard organising the bouncy castles and all the amusements for the children.”

The day was a smash hit by all standards – the food was good, the sun was shining, and the children appeared to be having a ball.

Kathleen concluded, “It was especially lovely to see people who haven’t been in the park long coming out and joining in on the festivities – there are families living here who come from all different backgrounds, and to see all the children playing alongside each other while their parents stood watching was really heartwarming.

“That’s just how the park should be.”

BY EMMET McELHATTON

e.mclehatton@ulsterherald.com