It was a landmark day in Ballinalee on Sunday last as the Rose Cottage War of Independence Centre was officially opened by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. This historic property, which was home to the late General Sean MacEoin, and headquarters to the North Longford Flying Column, played an important role during the Battle of Ballinalee 103 years ago, has been regenerated into an exhibition centre, community hub and coffee shop. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO The community-led development is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Ballinalee Community Group, and Longford County Council. Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke of the significance of the history associated with North Longford and the importance of Rose Cottage to the local community in Ballinalee. He remarked, “Alongside the Rebel Trail, Rose Cottage will preserve the history and identity of North Longford and of General Sean MacEoin during the War of Independence and will allow you, in this part of the country, to tell your significant story.” Mr Varadkar continued, “Rose Cottage, formerly a derelict building, has been transformed into a wonderful asset for the locality and will provide employment here at the heart of Ballinalee. It will also be an ideal stopping off point for tourists helping visitors to appreciate and learn the heritage of this special place in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.” Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray paid tribute to the local community for their dedication in making the vision of Rose Cottage a reality. “It is right that the people of Longford celebrate the heritage and history of Sean MacEoin and I want to praise the people of Ballinalee and the wider county who have helped to preserve his memory and achievements over the years. “Ten years ago, Iar-Taoiseach Enda Kenny came here to unveil a statue to Sean MacEoin and we are delighted to have Taoiseach Leo Varadkar here with us today to officially
PICTURES | Landmark day for Longford as An Taoiseach opens Rose Cottage War of Independence Centre in Ballinalee
Caption: Senior Engineer with Regeneration in Longford County Council Paul Newell; Longford County Council Director of Services John McKeon, Barbara Heslin and John Brannigan; Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray; Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Garda Chief Superintendent Seamus Boyle and Cllr Peggy Nolan Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Members of Longford Pipe Band march to the crossroads in Ballinalee to welcome Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and mark the beginning of the official opening ceremony for Rose Cottage War of Independence Centre. Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Members of Peter Keenan ONE Branch march to the crossroads in Ballinalee Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Members of Peter Keenan ONE Branch in position as Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray delivers opening address Picture: Shelley Corcoran
