Gorey Town Park Turns 50: A celebration of community, sport and shared spaces

This Sunday, 20 April 2025, marks a major milestone for Gorey: it’s 50 years since Gorey Town Park was officially opened by then Uachtarán na hÉireann, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh.

Over the past five decades, the park has grown into one of the town’s most loved public spaces. From dog runs and playgrounds to skateparks, sports fields, a sensory garden, graffiti artwork and even a local coffee shop, it has evolved with Gorey while remaining a constant source of connection and wellbeing for all ages.

To mark the occasion, Gorey Athletics Club (GAC) is inviting the community to take part in “50km for 50 years,” a 5km run or walk in the park, 1km for every year of its history. The event will run in 30-minute slots starting at 7.00am, with the final group finishing by 12.00pm. GAC members will lead each slot, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for participants of all fitness levels.

Everyone is welcome: walkers, joggers, families and first-timers. It’s not about pace, it’s about participation and celebrating a shared community space that means so much to so many.

For GAC, the day carries added meaning. The club has deep roots in the park. It served as the training ground for generations of athletes and was the original home of the much-loved Tommy Sports races, a highlight of Gorey’s sporting calendar for many years. Locals still recall their first races, the cheers from the side-lines, the friendships formed, and of course, the chocolate bars handed out as prizes.

The event also marks a new chapter for Gorey AC. The club has recently reformed and is working to build a new juvenile section to support the next generation of young athletes in the town. Those who would like to support this effort can donate via the official GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/ab143642 or visit the club’s social media pages @goreyac.

While no official refreshments will be served, The Coffee Pod will be open from 10.00am and makes a perfect pit stop for anyone attending on the day. And since it’s also Easter Sunday, we know plenty of kids (and grown-ups!) will be tucking into their fair share of chocolate, so why not come down early and work up an appetite first?

And if you do join in, don’t forget to tag your photos with @goreyac and help share the celebration online.

Whether you’re running, walking or simply reminiscing and want to support those taking part, join this Sunday to celebrate five decades of a park that continues to bring people together in the heart of Gorey, and help shape its future, one lap at a time.