Inspirational energy and commitment in Clondalkin
By Maurice Garvey
THE front car park of Clondalkin Village Church was turned into a gym recently, as people exercised for 10-hours non-stop for mental health services.
The initiative was supported by the Youth Initiative Group of the Combined Catholic Parishes of Clondalkin.
It was held in response to a request from a number of young people in the area, to raise awareness of and financial support for two local charities Pieta House and Jigsaw Clondalkin.
A team of young people kept going, nonstop on an exercise bike and strider for the 10 hours, while open-air classes in boxercise, yoga, and HTTP Interval, took place in the church grounds - run by personal trainers from local gyms and leisure centres.
Meanwhile, the green was full of fun activities and games for younger children supplied by Clondalkin Leisure Centre.
In the pastoral centre there was even relaxing baby massage.
The parish also held a cake sale, face-painting, music, raffle and a guest appearance by local teen rapper Lady Aideen.
The parish thanked the youngsters for their “inspirational energy and commitment” and early tallies have seen over €2,000 raised for local mental health services.
