Tourism blow as meeting hears of 'lack of progress' over multi million euro north Longford heritage park

A well-attended meeting heard of a very successful year for the group by Chairperson Fr Simon Cadam. He praised the work done and noted with pride the opening of the onsite café “the Bailey Café”.

He also praised the huge community response to the Annual 500 members draw.

The following were the winners’ of 1000 euros in the 2022/23 Draw. A. Tynan, M Smyth, F. Gray (shared), C Mc Keon, M Shaughnessy (shared), T Scanlon, F Mc Givney.

This was the last €100 draw and he announced that the bank loan taken out to purchase the 15-acre site and associated buildings is almost cleared.

This, he said, was a testament to the generosity of the community and the diligence and determination of the wonderful team of Directors who gave wholeheartedly and worked unreservedly to clear this debt.

The meeting heard that the Knights and Conquests business continues to grow and be a source of pride for the whole community.

The town is buzzing with the many successful events organised by our Manager Deirdre Orme. Deirdre outlined her plans for the Summer, being a hub for Crinnu na nOg, Normal people, and many other events.

For more, see the centre's website and Facebook page for details at www.knightsandconquests.ie.

The Secretary's report outlined the lack of progress on the development of the development's Heritage Park.

Since 2019 when GMCE CLG announced their success in securing funding for a Norman Heritage Park in association with the highest Motte in Ireland, there have been many challenges.

A once in a lifetime pandemic, lockdowns, shortages of building products, the war in Ukraine, rising costs, change of design, retirements of key personnel and tendering issues to name but a few.

“But our board have not given up and are working continually to achieve this project,” read an excerpt from the report.

“We have met with disappointments, sometimes with anger and frustration, but always with a steadfast will to achieve our goal.

“Our partners, Longford County Council and Failte Ireland are committed to this project, but we need them to address this development with more urgency and creativity.”

Local representatives present on the night, councillors PJ Reilly, Turlough McGovern, Colin Dalton and Senator Micheál Carrigy pledged to keep this project at the top of the agenda.

“We look forward to achieving this during the next year.”

The board are delighted that the Motte itself is now in the public realm and look forward this year to working with their partners to develop a sustainable conservation plan for the future of the Granard Motte.

“This is our second goal for 2023/2024 and it too needs urgent attention as the conservation of this important historical site is paramount.”

The Treasurers report outlined the tight margins in the business, but the bottom line was in the black.

The lack of accommodation in the region was highlighted by the centre's manager as an issue going forward for the tourism business. Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is becoming a destination of choice and our business at Knights and Conquests can only grow. Accommodation providers take note.

Fr Cadam concluded the meeting by asking all to redouble their efforts to finish this notable development and add another success to Grenard’s admirable Booktown Festival and wonderful film Lakelands.