New scouts den in Balgaddy will cater for 200 children

By Brendan Grehan

LAST SUNDAY, the 180th Lucan South Scout troop held an open day in their new scout den in the Bush Centre in Balgaddy. There was a great turnout on the day.

The Chief Scout Christy McCann was there to help open the den with Dublin Provincial Commissioner Mark Blake and his wife Patricia. The group support facilitators for the Dublin Province, Mike Randall and Geraldine Smith were also in attendance.

Group Leader Lorraine Kelly told The Echo: “We would like to thank all those that helped out on the day, especially the youth members and their families that made some wonderful cakes and sandwiches. We we’re delighted to meet some of our neighbours that came to talk to us. There was a great turnout”.

Later on in the day, members of Lucan South Parish, including Father John Hassett, Kay and Patricia McManus, Shane Moynihan and Dymnpa Synott visited the den. Fr Hassett also performed the official handover for the den from the parish.

Ms Kelly added: “We cannot express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Lucan SouthParish, Fr John Hassett, the Laurence O’Toole trust and all others that we’re involved in helping us become owners of the Bush Centre.”

Joan Chercham will be the manager of the Bush Centre.

The Tánaiste and Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald also attended on the day.

The den will accommodate 200 children, young people, families and scout leaders who currently make up the troop. The Troop has been in operation in Lucan for over 10 years and now finally has a home.

For further information emall scoutden@180thlss.ie