As Limerick’s long-awaited skateboard park got its official opening on Friday it emerged that 18-year old, Castleconnell skateboarder, Brian Corscadden, has also qualified for the European Skateboarding Championships in Switzerland in August.

Spokesman for the Limerick Skateboard Action Group, Tom Shortt, said that the reception for the €300,000 facility at Steamboat Quay and the atmosphere so far has been “very positive”.

“The years we spent campaigning for it have really been worth it and it is what everyone involved hoped for and more. When I was there at the weekend, it was attracting families and older skateboarders, who may have given up because of the lack of facilities, as well as young people. There is a great sense of community and it’s a real focal point,’ he said.

He added that the issue surrounding teenagers and skateboarders gathering at Tait’s Clock has also been resolved as they are now using the designated area.

“They don’t seem to be there anymore because they have a place to go and meet. The location is ideal; it’s by the river and there is still a nice walk too. It encompasses all the talk about vibrancy, the ‘Riverside City’ and ‘Sporting Limerick’. The council are considering putting in benches and litter bins. Skateboarders travelled from Dublin and Cork to try it out and they were very impressed.”

Mr Shortt said that he wanted to thank all the city councillors for their work and particularly the mayor because he made a conciliatory gesture after council protocol prevented a representative from the skateboarders from making a speech.

“I think the campaign was an education for all sides and I thank everyone for their work. In fairness to Mayor Gilligan, he invited me up to unveil the plaque with him, which was much appreciated. I think we didn’t fully appreciate that official rules have to apply to these events but he still acknowledged our campaign and it was a tremendous gesture. True to the council’s word, the park was finshed during the summer and we hope it will be a fantastic addition to the city.”

Castleconnell skateboarder, Brian Corscadden, will compete in the European Skateboarding  Championships in Switzerland from August 7 to 10.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment