River, life, and all that jazz
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The River Erne is a great natural resource in Belturbet. Canoes lined up and cruisers mooring on the opposite river bank.Image 2 of 3
The upgrading work on the walkways includes the provision of new fencing along the route.Image 3 of 3
Young canoeists limbering up with coach, Marcus Mundy, prior to taking to their canoes during the Thursday evening activities on the river Erne.The transient person wouldn’t pass any remarks to the boarded-up corner building. They might notice the mock-up stained glass under the curved gables, before continuing on their journey. For the people of Belturbet, particularly the older generation, the burnt out Palais reminds them of a vibrant town life when dancers filled this popular ballroom hall – a very different time, a different style of life.
With many pubs closed, derelict buildings crumbling, some blaming the bypass for the loss of business, the town’s community had faced a bleak outlook. Not all issues have been resolved, or can be addressed by individuals. But together, the community has decided not to remain idle. They started anew and are eager to recreate their brand.
Last autumn, 80 townspeople from all walks of life decided to reinvigorate the ‘Discover Belturbet’ brand. They formulated several projects to enliven the area not only for tourists, but for people’s everyday life.
With the support from Cavan County Council, Cavan Sports Partnership, Geopark Committee and cross border Peaceplus funding, many of the initiatives are gradually being rolled out, explains local publican Brendan Fay, who is grateful that so many people followed the invitation to the meeting for the improvement of the town.
The 3x3 Basketball Court funded by the local authority and Cavan Sports Partnership in Morrissey Park has just been laid. “Only the nets have to go up,” says Cllr Fay.
Giving the younger members of the community an area to convene beside the newly refurbished playground. Funding for a skatepark has been secured, a sensory garden and a revamp of the Marina are on the to-do-list as well.
Turbet Island
Currently, Turbet Island is undergoing a major facelift with new fences, re-doing the paths and clean-ups as part of the Geopark scheme.
“Down the line, we are thinking about making it into something similar to Erica’s fairy forest,” explains Caroline McGovern, one of the volunteers of the new Discover Belturbet Team.
River Fest
She is one of the organisers of the upcoming River Fest on Saturday, August 16 - a day long celebration along the river. People can start with a wellness morning. At 8:30am, the day kicks off a 5k run/walk organised by local fitness coach Enda Henry followed by Pilates, Yoga, Soundbath/Breathwork on Turbet Island. The duck race takes place at 2pm at the Railway Bridge. They will pass the saunagoers at Kilconny Bridge.
Rockclimbing at Morrissey Park for the young and old, live music, food trucks, face painting and balloon modelling will all be offered.
“We wanted to celebrate the river with our town full of talent,” enthuses Caroline, highlighting how all of Belturbet’s people are working hard and are happy for this first ever festival of the river.
While many events take place on the shore, it wouldn’t be a River Fest, without using the water itself. There will be ample opportunity to try out kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding, canoeing or simply cruise the river on a boat. The day will conclude at the Golf Club with a lively jazz evening, capturing the spirit of the theme: “River Fest & All That Jazz”.
The first River Fest is a testament to a strengthened community spirit. Old and new generations working together in a resilient pact against the assumed imponderables a border town faces.