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01 Jan 2026

National Play Day 2025 in Waterford helped mark 50 years of playful celebrations

Waterford came alive with laughter and activity as the community and sport department joined forces

National Play Day 2025 in Waterford helped mark 50 years of playful celebrations

Reporter:

Rachel Kavanagh

15 Jul 2025 1:00 PM

Waterford City & County Council, in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership, hosted a series of events across the city and county last week to mark National Play Day 2025.
Activities included story sack workshops and play, music and movement sessions in local libraries, along with a number of vibrant ‘playful communities’ events.
On Wednesday evening last, Ballybeg came alive with laughter and activity as the community and sport department joined forces with Baile Beag first steps crèche to host a special ‘playful communities’ celebration.
Supported by ready steady play South East, the event also formed part of the Ballybeg 50-Year Celebrations. The focus was on fun, creativity and physical activity, underscoring the vital role play has in fostering community wellbeing.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan said:
“National Play Day is a fantastic opportunity to put play front and centre in our communities. I am delighted to see the 'Playful Communities' programme coming to Ballybeg, providing a wonderful chance for our children and families to connect, be active, and experience the pure joy of play right on their doorstep. This aligns perfectly with our vision for a healthier, more vibrant Waterford.”
Ger Mulhall, National Play Day Co-ordinator with Waterford City & County Council, added:
“National Play Day is an initiative of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to promote play and recreation opportunities for children and young people. The theme for 2025 was ‘The Power of Play!’ and this year we partnered with Waterford Library Service, Healthy Waterford, and the Ballybeg community to deliver a diverse programme of activities. The response was fantastic across all events.”
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Eoin Morrissey, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator with the Council, emphasised the wider impact, saying:
“Play is fundamental for a child's development, influencing everything from physical health to social skills and mental wellbeing. Our 'Playful Communities' initiative is about breaking down barriers to play, encouraging active lifestyles, and strengthening community ties, all in line with the Healthy Waterford agenda.”
Jade Kinsella from Ready Steady Play South East said: “Play is powerful – it supports cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth, while also promoting creativity, problem-solving, healthy relationship-building, and resilience. It’s far more than leisure – it’s a vital part of how children learn about the world and their place within it.”

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