Amenity will be a “major asset” for the community

Hopes construction can be completed in time for Mullagh Fair Day, Sunday, September 11.

A new outdoor performance and dining area to be constructed at St Kilian's Heritage Centre in Mullagh will be a “major asset” for the community once constructed.

That's according to Mullagh Independent County Councillor, Shane P O'Reilly, told The Anglo-Celt that this is but the latest investment in the continued development of the local heritage centre.

The sod turning on Tuesday will take place after Mass at 6pm at St Kilians Church in Mullagh. This will be concelebrated by Bishop of Wurzburg Francis Young, Bishop of Kilmore Martin Hayes and Fr Paul Prior PP.

The sod turning will be performed by Bishops Francis and Martin, together with Cllr Clifford Kelly Cathaoirleach Cavan Co Council.

The German bishop is visiting Cavan following an invitation extended to him pre-pandemic by the local authority.

Mullagh and the city of Wurzburg are connected through the legacy of St Kilian.

St. Kilian according to tradition was part of the great Irish Christian evangelization of Europe in the early middle ages. His missionary work took him across Gaul (France) and into Germany where he died as a martyr for the faith in Wurzburg on July 8, 689.

The proposed New Amenity Project 2022 at the heritage centre will see a new outdoor performance and dining area constructed, complete with tiered seating, sensory planting and information about the story of St Kilian.

Funding for the project, €50,000, was award under Clár. The amenity has been designed by Virginia-based Hanley Taite Design Partnership and will be built by Larry Reilly Construction, Knockbride.

A short ceremony at the sod turning site will be addressed by Cllr Kelly, Cllr Trevor Smith, Cathaoirleach of Ballyjamesduff Municipal District, and Tommy Ryan Chief Executive of Cavan County Council.

Pat Smyth, Chair of the St Kilian's Heritage Trust will also address the gathering.

It is hoped that work will begin on constructing the outdoor performance space and dining area in the next fortnight, with hopes to have it completed in time for Mullagh Fair Day, Sunday, September 11.