Ballyhaise square in good shape
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Rose Brady (left) cutting tape in Village Square in unison with Tara Smith and son Donnacha on the right to mark the unveiling of the newly paved seated area.Image 2 of 7
Dynamic Ballyhaise Development Association committee. Back (from left): Anna Slowey, assistant treasurer; Tom O’Reilly and Billy Reilly, committee (both Tom and Billy are the last surviving founding members from the original committee in 1980); Niall Greenan and Olive Brown, committee; front, Deirdre O’Gorman, committee; Aine McConnell, treasurer BDA; Andy Slowey, chairman BDA; Michelle Dunne, secretary and Geraldine Dowd, committee. Missing from photograph: Dessie Reilly, Colm Connaughton and Susan Brady.Image 3 of 7
Making Music in Ballyhaise - Jasmine Scanlon on the fiddle, Isaac Scanlon, button accordian; Ben Smith, bodhran and Aaron O’Gorman, flute.Image 4 of 7
Cutting the table on the double in the newly-transformed Village Square. Genevieve Campbell on the left and (on the right) Anthony, Fiona and Thomas Brady, with local dignitories.Image 5 of 7
Rev Nick Jones (left) and Fr Gerard Cassidy performed the ecumenical blessing.Image 6 of 7
Relaxing in the Village Square. From left: Kathleen Lynch, Rosemary Smith, Sean Smith, Sean Quinn, the dancing painter with dogs Jasper and Harvey, and Charlie and Gerry Quinn, two of the famed village triplets.Image 7 of 7
Bringing life back to the heart of Ballyhaise village.The iconic square in the picturesque village of Ballyhaise has been transformed and enhanced by a number of new features and facilities courtesy of funding under the Town and Village Scheme.
Attractive seating has been installed, making it an ideal place to relax and watch the world go by; while metres of unsightly cables have been placed underground.
The Minister for Justice, Healther Humphreys, was on hand to perform the official launch of the project.
Speaking at the event, she acknowledged the vision and the leadership shown by Ballyhaise Development Association under the chairmanship of Andy Slowey and a hard-working committee.
"You are blessed to have such good local authority staff in Cavan County Council, who want to help towns and villages aright across the county," said Minister Humphreys.
"Over €140,000 has been allocated to a variety of projects in this community, which I am glad to see is getting stronger and stronger and the projects included the removal of the unsightly cables, realigning the village square, improving pedestrian access and the installation of marquees at the community centre. I always say, success happens when we are all working together," continued the Minister.
An additional €150,000 was allocated through the LEADER programme to improve facilities at the GAA pitch.
"I know you have a Sports Capital Grant application in for a new pitch development," remarked Minister Humphreys.
The chairman of the Ballyhaise Development Association, Andy Slowey, thanked all involved in delivering the project, including Cavan County Council for its input and vision to bring the project to fruition.
The cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Clifford Kelly, praised the Ballyhaise Development Association for its vison in seeking funding for this "ambitious" programme, which, he said, is sure to bring life back to the village square. "This project is a fine example of what can be achieved by communities working together with a long-term plan, a vision and a sense of purpose," he said.
Also present at the event were Deputies Brendan Smith (FF) and Pauline Tully (SF); Cllr Paddy McDonald, chairman of the Cootehill/Bailieboro Municipal District; Director of Services with Cavan County Council, Brendan Jennings, engineers and other local authority staff. The ecumenical blessing was performed by Fr Gerard Cassidy and Rev Nick Jones.