The ‘Ulster GAA comes together at Clones’ mural tells a particular story. Clones has been the home to GAA Ulster Football Finals for 80 years and that association is used to commemorate the tragic death of Paddy McCabe in the aftermath of the Loyalist bomb that exploded at this spot on December 28, 1972. Paddy McCabe from O’Neill Park, was one of those who came to assist in the clear-up operation after the explosion. He was working on the roof of the building that was damaged by the bomb when he had a fall that resulted in his death.

Keeping the momentum going

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Established in 2017, Clones Town Team brings together local people, businesses and community representatives with the aim of developing the town.

Developments in the town, such as the painting and streetscape improvements along Fermanagh Street and buildings around The Diamond, or the striking murals on display, come as a result of a group of volunteers and local representatives sitting around a table and sharing their experiences, ideas and perspectives.

Chairperson of Clones Town Team, Mairead McCabe, says a lot of the work happens “behind the scenes” such as identifying opportunities, working with the council and other groups and trying to ensure that Clones benefits from the various funding programmes that become available.

“It is very rewarding to see an idea that may have started as a conversation around a table eventually become something tangible that improves the town,” Mairead tells the Celt.

There are many such initiatives now on display around the town, such as the enhancement and floodlighting of some of the town’s historic monuments and features, improvements to Cara Street, including the removal of overhead poles and undergrounding of services, the development of a youth zone at the Enterprise Park, or the development of the Clones Heritage & Economic Plan and other longer-term regeneration plans for the town.

The Town Team works closely with Monaghan County Council and the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District on projects aimed at improving, promoting and regenerating Clones.

The group chair believes Clones “has a lot of potential.”

“I wanted to be part of something practical where local people could bring ideas forward and work together to make a difference.

“Clones has its challenges, like many small towns, but it also has so much going for it - its history, heritage, location and, most importantly, its people and strong community spirit,” she believes.

Going forward, the main aim for the group is to “keep the momentum going”.

“We want to continue working on the regeneration and appearance of the town, supporting local businesses, improving our public spaces and parks and developing projects around tourism, recreation, heritage and community facilities.

“We also want to make sure that Clones is in the best possible position to take advantage of future funding opportunities,” she explains.

Mairead says there is “always more that can be done” but believes when you look around Clones today, there have been “a lot of positive changes”.

“Much of that has come from people, community groups and Monaghan County Council working together. For us, it is about continuing that partnership and making sure Clones keeps moving forward.”

Clones Town Team is preparing for its AGM in September, the date of which has yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on local news bulletins for more.

Gemma Good
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