Stars converge for new playground

Local legends are set to reach for the stars in aid of the development of the long-awaited public playground in Gort.
Following years of campaigning, a new playground is finally on its way to the South Galway town with work to begin before the summer on the site located on the Ennis Road, across from the Lady Gregory Hotel.
While some public funding is expected, further finance will have to be raised locally to pay for the work.
“The playground company is confident that the grant awarded over two years ago will soon be drawn down to begin the development. It is expected that the total spend on the playground will be around €100,000, which includes local funding from the community. The playground company is delighted with the offer from the organisers of Reach for the Stars to run this highly-entertaining night for our local children, who need somewhere to play and have fun,” said Martin Aherne.
“Reach for the Stars has been running for years in Gort where locals take the challenge and sing to a backing track. This is great fun where the community can see their neighbours and friends dress, look and sound like their favourite artist. The best sound and lighting systems are used along with video presentations. This year the show has been completely filled with 16 local artists giving their all in song and dance, replicating artists that include Jedward, Sister Act, Michael Buble, Dirty Dancing and Pink Floyd to name but a few. The show sells out every year, so it is important to book your ticket soon, or Boarding Pass as it is called this year. The theme for the 2012 show is in ‘ flight mode’ and the ‘passengers’ will pay for a boarding pass that takes them on a trip to see the stars. They will experience some flight turbulence along with unusual security clearance experiences,” explained one of the organisers, adding that “passengers are to expect the unexpected.”
Reach for the Stars takes place on March 31, at 8pm in the Community Centre in Gort. Tickets/boarding passes go on sale on March 1 at Gort Credit Union.
“The event is one of the biggest and best community gatherings in Gort and funding will be very much appreciated by the playground group. We’ve travelled for years with our children to neighbouring towns for playground fun. Soon we will have our own area where our children can enjoy themselves without the long road trip to other towns,” said Martin.
Further information on the playground and Reach for the Stars Gort can be found on Facebook.