Community orchard at historic Richmond site
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Jeanne Stewart (nee Richmond) cutting the ribbon to formally declare the new Community Orchard in Cavan Town on the Richmond site officially open on Saturday morning. She is joined by Sadie and George Clarke. 8Photos: Sean McMahonImage 2 of 3
Martin Connolly, Treasurer of Cavan Tidy Towns; Cllr Niamh Brady, Senator Pauline Tully, Paul Lynch, Secretary Cavan Tiody Towns and Cllr John Paul Feeley with his son, Eamon.Image 3 of 3
Seated in the new Community Orchard in Cavan Town: Back (from left) Patricia Masterson, Teresa Walsh, James Wilson Higgins, Cavan Tidy Towns Committee; Niamh Grogan, Grogan’s Timber Products; front, Tony Prunty, Chairperson; Marie Prunty, Martin Connolly, Treasurer; Paul Lynch, Secretary and Marie White, Cavan Tidy Towns.A new community orchard on the historic Richmond site, facing onto the Dublin Road in Cavan Town, was officially opened last Saturday morning, marking another milestone in local efforts to enhance the town’s natural environment.
Jeanne Stewart, a member of the Richmond family, performed the official opening by cutting the ribbon at the newly developed site.
Speaking at the event, Cavan Tidy Towns secretary Paul Lynch paid tribute to everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition. He also welcomed the attendance of councillors Niamh Brady (FG) and John Paul Feeley (FF), along with Senator Pauline Tully (SF).
Mr Lynch reserved particular praise for Bernadette McGovern and her team at Cavan County Council, acknowledging the “massive part” they played in transforming the site in partnership with Cavan Tidy Towns. The council provided funding to help bring the project to completion, while Tidy Towns treasurer Martin Connolly was also recognised for his efforts in securing the necessary resources.
Local suppliers made an important contribution to the development, with Natural Willow Fencing in Cootehill providing natural fencing to enhance the space; while Grogan Timber Products manufactured the gates and benches.
The orchard’s apple trees have grown well this year and are expected to mature in the coming years, adding to the site’s appeal. A variety of other natural produce also features in the space, which offers a new green area for the local community to enjoy.
Cavan Tidy Towns has long worked to improve the town’s appearance and environment through community-led initiatives, encouraging residents, businesses and local organisations to work together to create cleaner, greener and more attractive public spaces.
The orchard also has a connection to Cavan’s architectural heritage. Richmond House, built on the site in 1917 and styled on an American design, was a well-known feature of the area for many years.
The opening brings renewed life to a site with a long history, combining its heritage with a community-focused project that will continue to develop as the trees mature.