Campbell’s passion for Castleblayney
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Councillor Aidan Campbell is encouraged by a number of projects advancing in the Castleblayney area, saying they will enhance the town as a place in which to live, work, visit and do business.
Among the projects he is most pleased to see progressing is the long-awaited redevelopment of Castleblayney Market House. “I’m happy to see a lot of the renovations happening and rejuvenation in the town with lots of great shops. I’ve waited a long time to see the hoarding go up around the Market House. I’m delighted to see that project coming to fruition,” he said, praising his former colleague Minister Heather Humphreys for bringing huge investment to her home county.
The €14M Market House and Square development follows the restoration of Gate Lodge II (now the library) and The Ridge enterprise hub.
Cllr Campbell further praised those working to improve the area, including the Town Team and the various festival committees that attracted locals and tourists alike. He welcomed the upcoming opening of Gaelscoil Lorgan, adding to Castleblayney’s extensive educational offering, which includes Monaghan Community Special School.
The local representative first entered politics in 2009 when he agreed to run for Castleblayney Town Council at the request of former Cllr Gary Carville. Although his father, Broomfield native Leo, was involved in Fine Gael at grassroots level, Aidan was not previously a party member.
“I was elected first in 2009 to the Town Council here and was lucky enough to top the poll,” he recalled. Following local government reform, he has since been elected to Monaghan County Council in each of the three subsequent elections.
A Blayney man through and through, Aidan Campbell grew up in Gate Lodge 1, where his father managed the Franciscan nuns’ farm. His mother, Maureen, worked in a local drapery before marrying. Raised around the scenic Black Island area, at the edge of town, he developed lifelong friendships and a deep affection for Castleblayney.
Before politics, Cllr Campbell was heavily involved in community organisations and the Castleblayney Enterprise Centre.
Away from politics, he is an accomplished runner. He has completed the six major world marathons — Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin and Tokyo. “I’m privileged to have done them with my friends, and believe it or not, I was lucky enough to have completed them twice.”
Having previously served as Cathaoirleach during the Covid period in 2021, he is looking forward to being more visible this term and representing County Monaghan with pride.