Rush Community celebrates another successful Let’s Play Rush Event

The town of Rush came alive as families and community groups gathered at Tayleur’s Point for the latest Let’s Play Rush event. Building on the success of last year, the day featured an old-school style sports day filled with fun, laughter, and a wide range of sporting games and activities.

Developed as part of the European URBACT Playful Paradigm Project, Let’s Play Rush continues to create opportunities for people of all ages to engage in play and community activities. Supported by Fingal County Council and delivered in partnership with Rush Tidy Towns, the 38th Rush Scout Group, local representatives, and community organisations, the initiative highlights the town’s many public spaces including Rush’s beaches and harbour, Rush Library, the Millbank Theatre, Kenure Woods, and local playgrounds and green spaces.

This year’s event brought the community together through a variety of playful activities. Participants enjoyed youth and adult races, tug of war, egg and spoon competitions, and had the opportunity to play Giant Jenga and Connect 4. Families also engaged with local street artists and face painting, adding colour and creativity to the celebration.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O'Leary, who presented medals on the day, said, “The Sports Day was a great success, and I would like to thank Rush Tidy Towns, the 38th Scout Group Rush, members of the Let’s Play Rush Initiative and Fingal County Council who have made this a fun day for all. This initiative would not work without community participation and all the families who came along to support.”

Senior Executive Officer with Fingal’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism & Cultural Development Department, Aoife Sheridan, praised the project’s impact: “We’re delighted to see the Let’s Play Rush Project going from strength to strength with the dedication and support of the local community in organising and running playful events in the town. The project encourages people of all ages to embrace play and enjoy the public spaces in Rush together, promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and an inclusive environment for everyone.”

Chairperson of Rush Tidy Towns, Brendan Reilly said: "Myself and my colleagues who make up the Let’s Play Rush Committee thoroughly enjoy putting on this free annual summer event, and the feedback we get from the community vindicates the time and effort of the volunteers. Finally, we couldn't do this without the support and advice from Fingal County Council, and now we look forward to our next event at Halloween in Kenure Woods".

Local TD Rob O’Donoghue added: “The Let’s Play Rush events have been warmly welcomed by the local community, and I was delighted to see people of all ages benefiting from the great work of the Let’s Play Rush organising committee.”

With strong community participation and growing enthusiasm, Let’s Play Rush continues to strengthen connections across Rush while showcasing the power of play to bring people together.