A ‘very good year’ for Ballinagh

Fine Gael’s Winston Bennett is delighted to report it has been a “very good year” for Ballinagh and he looks forward to the town’s continued success next year.

His main message for people this Christmas is to shop local, as he warns: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

With this in mind, Cllr Bennett gave a sample of some of the fantastic businesses trading locally in Ballinagh - a doctor’s surgery, chemist, eateries, a hardware store, a post office which provides banking facilities, a clothing boutique, supermarkets, beauty salons, barbers, hairdressers, takeaways and more.

He also shared his delight at the Ballinagh bypass project progressing at a “very good pace” with a number of preliminary route options now prepared.

A public consultation event took place on November 26 at the Community Centre, and plans of the proposed options are currently available for inspection at Cavan County Council Offices in Cavan Town and Ballyjamesduff, and can also be viewed online at www.cavancoco.ie/N55BallinaghTRS.

Submissions from members of the public and interested parties on the six preliminary route options are welcomed before December 12, 2025.

Cllr Bennett praised the progression of the local GAA club, which has completed a new astroturf pitch that is already proving to be a gem for sporting enthusiasts in the community. Under the chairmanship of Pauric Maguire and his committee, the club is also in the process of installing a handball facility and camogie wall, with the hopes to install a new basketball court in the future.

“It’s [basketball] a sport that is growing in popularity especially with the success of the Eagles,” Cllr Bennett told the Celt.

Speaking of recreational facilities there has been new seating installed at Flemings Folly, which continues to be popular with walkers in the summer months.

The riverfront in Ballinagh is “looking really well” according to the Ballinagh councillor, meanwhile the playground is being maintained at a “very high standard” and receives use all throughout the year.

Words of congratulations were shared for Ricky Sheridan and his team who worked on the community garden, and towards “all community groups that work hard to keep Ballinagh moving in the right direction”.

Ballinagh Vintage Club held a very successful fundraiser recently in aid of the special needs unit in Carrigallen Vocational School; meanwhile the community centre in the town continues to be a focal point for bingo, social dancing and many other events.

He praised the fabulous Christmas market and Santa meet and greet, which took place over the weekend and brought a wonderful festive atmosphere to the town. He noticed the event is “growing year to year”, which is a credit to the volunteers who work so hard. Cllr Bennett also welcomed news of a 14-16 housing development on the Crossdoney entrance to Ballinagh and looks forward to seeing this come to fruition.

Meanwhile, ideas are still being reviewed for the B&F Stores and Market House development project. “I hope to see that move ahead next year,” Cllr Bennett stated.

The Christmas Ballroom Dance will take place on December 13, from 9pm until midnight, when there will be refreshments and Christmas supper served.

Cllr Bennett expressed his “deepest sympathies” to those who have experienced a bereavement throughout the year, and wished everybody a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.