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Ballinamore

Co. Leitrim • 8 stories • Since 2026-04-12

April 14, 2026
heritage

Ballinamore heritage at risk as traffic damages historic bridge

Rowland O'Callaghan, chair of the Ballinamore Leo Casey Historical Society, warns that Archie Bridge—one of 86 historic storm bridges in Ireland built between 1815-1817 as part of the Royal Canal heritage—is being damaged by heavy traffic and faces potential destruction. He's calling on local authorities and councillors to implement weight restrictions and carry out urgent restoration work (repinning and recapping) before the deteriorating stonework leads to structural failure or an accident.

Rowland O'Callaghan
Archie Bridge is located outside Ballinamore on the Longford road. Weight restriction needed urgently. Scalli's Bridge in Abbey Frule cited as reference example of successful restoration.
business

Ballinamore has potential as standalone tourist destination, says heritage society

Rowland O'Callaghan highlights Ballinamore's untapped tourism potential, citing its location between the Royal Canal and Inny River, proximity to six golf courses, woodland walks and trails, water sports opportunities (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding), and quality local restaurants and accommodation. Despite having all the ingredients for a thriving weekend/week-long destination, he argues the town's rich historical heritage—spanning from ancient Gaelic times through Cromwellian era to Irish independence—is being neglected by public authorities.

Rowland O'Callaghan
Ballinamore features: Scalli's Restaurant and Guesthouse, Bar and Restaurant, Kunis Hotel, Jolly Voys, Peacin Grill, Wilder and Golden, accommodation options, six nearby golf courses, Newcastle Woods walks/trails, water sports on Royal Canal and Inny River.
politics

Public representatives making promises but failing to deliver on heritage issues

Rowland O'Callaghan expresses frustration with local councillors and TDs, stating he has written letters, given presentations, and raised concerns about Ballinamore's neglected heritage multiple times, but receives only promises with no follow-through or solutions. He's calling for more decisive action from elected representatives to support the town's historical preservation.

Rowland O'Callaghan
April 13, 2026
community

Ballinamore ICA celebrates 60 years with community field day

The Ballinamore ICA Guild marked its 60th anniversary with a community event at Ballinamore Old Fairday, featuring demonstrations of traditional cooking, home-baked goods, and social activities. The event showcased the organisation's range of activities beyond baking, including social outings and community support initiatives. Members including Tess Murphy and David Lutton (chairperson) highlighted how the ICA provides companionship and opportunities for women of all ages.

Tess Murphy, David Lutton, Lillian
Event held at Ballinamore Old Fairday; ICA Federation headquarters located at barracks in Longford; head office in Dublin
heritage

Traditional boxty-making demonstration at Ballinamore community event

Radio presenter Norbert Fielbe documented a traditional boxty-making demonstration at the Ballinamore ICA field day, with volunteer David showing the preparation process using potatoes, flour, eggs, and milk. The traditional Irish dish, similar to a pancake, was being cooked on site for visitors to the community event.

David, Norbert Fielbe
Demonstration held at Ballinamore Old Fairday during ICA community event
death

20th Anniversary of Acclaimed Writer John McGahern's Death Marked

March 30th marks the 20th anniversary of the death of John McGahern, one of Ireland's most accomplished writers. McGahern, who was born in Dublin but had strong connections to County Leitrim and Roscommon, is remembered for groundbreaking novels including 'The Barracks' and 'Among Women'. Author and broadcaster John Scally reflects on McGahern's life, his controversial writings on sexuality that cost him his teaching job, and his legacy in Irish literature.

John McGahern, John Scally, Tony Doyle
March 30th, 2026 (anniversary date). John McGahern Barracks in Cooke Hall, Roscommon, operated by volunteers and dedicated to McGahern's memory.
death

20th anniversary of death of acclaimed writer John McGahern

Today marks 20 years since the death of John McGahern, one of Ireland's most accomplished and important writers. Born in Dublin but reared in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, McGahern was known for his novels including 'The Barracks' and 'Among Women'. Author and broadcaster John Scally reflects on McGahern's life, his controversial writings that cost him his teaching job, and his later contentment farming in Fina, County Leitrim.

John McGahern, John Scally, Tony Doyle
March 30th marks the anniversary. The John McGahern Barracks in Cookshill is operated by volunteers and is dedicated to McGahern's works and memory and is open to visitors.
April 12, 2026
religion

Father Edward Flanagan elevated to Venerable by Pope

Father Edward Flanagan, a priest from the Roscommon/Galway border who founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, has been elevated to Venerable by Pope Francis—a significant step toward canonization. The announcement was welcomed by the Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre in Ballinamore and church leaders including Bishop Kevin Doran. This recognition honours Flanagan's pioneering work with homeless and at-risk children.

Father Edward Flanagan, Bishop Kevin Doran, Fidel Macron
Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre located in Ballinamore, open to public; established three years ago

Council Decisions

Motions, planning and decisions from Leitrim County Council and Municipal District meetings mentioning Ballinamore.

Ballinamore Municipal District appointment 2025-06-23

Election of Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District 2025/2026

Councillor Gary Prior was nominated and elected as Cathaoirleach (Chair) of Ballinamore Municipal District for the term 2025/2026. The nomination was proposed by Councillor Paddy O'Rourke and seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin, with no other nominations received. Prior thanked his colleagues and outgoing Cathaoirleach Ita Reynolds Flynn for her work during the past year.

Decision: Councillor Gary Prior elected Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District for 2025/2026

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Gary Prior, Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Enda McGloin

Ballinamore Municipal District appointment 2025-06-23

Election of Leas Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District 2025/2026

Councillor Paddy O'Rourke was nominated and elected as Leas Cathaoirleach (Vice-Chair) of Ballinamore Municipal District for the term 2025/2026. The nomination was proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn and seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin, with no other nominations received.

Decision: Councillor Paddy O'Rourke elected Leas Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District for 2025/2026

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Enda McGloin

Ballinamore Municipal District procedural 2025-06-23

Schedule of meetings for Ballinamore Municipal District

The council agreed to continue holding Ballinamore Municipal District meetings at 10:00 am for each meeting in the 2025/2026 term.

Decision: Meetings to be held at 10:00 am

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Brendan Barry

Ballinamore Municipal District procedural 2025-06-23

Rescheduling of July and September meetings

Two meeting date changes were approved: the July meeting was moved from 28 July to 21 July at 10:00 am, and the September meeting was moved from 22 September to 29 September at 10:00 am.

Decision: July meeting rescheduled to 21 July 2025; September meeting rescheduled to 29 September 2025, both at 10:00 am

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Enda McGloin, Cllr Brendan Barry