Stunning upgrade sees former ballynacargy courthouse changed to comhaltas centre

If one had to use just one word to describe the achievements of Ballynacargy Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, it would have to be “phenomenal”.
Less than three years after the branch was formed, not alone can it boast a membership of 300 – but it’s now poised to open its own centre on Ballynacargy’s main street.
And just how impressive that centre is was revealed on Friday night, when the doors were opened briefly to let members and friends get a quick peep at the stunning transformation that has been effected to what was originally Ballynacargy’s courthouse.
Even more remarkably, it’s been achieved with an expenditure of just €21,000 – raised by the branch through the fleadh it hosted in the first year of its existence, the Tradfest it hosted last year, and various fundraisers such as the table quiz held last Friday.
There’s a deserved sense of pride among the members over what has been achieved, and all were impressed at how a dull, damp and long-empty building has been transformed into a beautiful, light and welcoming space.
Willie Penrose TD, a founder member of Ballynacargy CCÉ, outlined what has been done: a complete overhaul of the electrics – installed in 1954; new plumbing; removal of the old wooden fittings; lowering the ceiling; the provision of a stage, a stove – and, due to be fitted shortly, a kitchen.
“It was closed for 10 or 12 years,” said Willie, pointing out that for some of those who tipped in for a look at the premises on Friday night, it was their first time ever inside the building, which will be able to accommodate up to 80 at a time when officially opened.
One well-known name who did spend time inside the building, he revealed, was former country singer, the late Larry Cunningham, who in his pre-professional musician days was a carpenter, and responsible for much of the woodwork in the old courthouse.
“And he was good at his job too: it took two days to take out what he did!” he joked.
Another famous name who spent time in the building – although in somewhat more colourful circumstances, was sports commentator Micheál ” Hehir, as another of the Ballynacargy Comhaltas members, treasurer, Pat Byrne recalled. It was there that ” Hehir had to appear after he was summonsed for his part in the legendary Barney Curley raffle of Middleton Park.
Joe Connaire, vice-chairman of Ballynacargy Comhaltas, is delighted with what’s been achieved.
“Basically, it’s been three years in the making, but all the work has been done in the last six months or so,” he says, explaining that by the time the work is complete, the total bill will come in at around €25,000. The building has been leased from Westmeath County Council on a 35-year lease, and there’s an outside yard twice as big as the building itself, which, Deputy Penrose said, the branch hopes to use for outdoor sessions as well.
Extending thanks to ColourTrend, which sponsored all the paint for the building, he said that in April, the exterior will be given a facelift – something that will also help the town in its bid to up its rating in the Tidy Towns competition. The deputy also said that while the 115 or so people attending music lessons will continue to receive their lessons at the local school, the Comhaltas sessions will be held at the new centre – and it will be available to other local organisations wishing to use it for meetings.
The deputy paid tribute to the members of the committee running Ballynacargy Comhaltas: “They’re a great committee, and every one of them was here tonight,” he said, referring to the table quiz hosted by the organisation earlier that evening.
Next items on the agenda, after finishing and opening the centre, will be to create a band from the growing membership, and to organise this year’s Tradfest, taking place on the final weekend of June, to coincide with the annual Cemetery Sunday.