Longford heritage: Rose Cottage opening in Ballinalee ‘a great success’

In her report to the members of Granard Municipal District, Director of Services Barbara Heslin, hailed the November 12 official opening of the Rose Cottage War of Independence Centre in Ballinalee by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as “a great success”.

The historic landmark was home to the late General Sean MacEoin and headquarters to the North Longford Flying Column. It played a crucial role during the Battle of Ballinalee 103 years ago, and has been regenerated into an exhibition centre, community hub and coffee shop.

The community driven development is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with Longford County Council and Ballinalee Community Group

Ms Heslin said, “We are looking forward to the community taking over ownership of Rose Cottage. It will be used as a cafe and an interpretive centre. We hope to see that happening very soon.”

A lease will be put in place to transfer the ownership of the historic building to the local community.

Councillors were unanimous in the praise for the initiative.