Since reforming in January 2025, the Ballymacoda & Ladysbridge Historical Group, a subgroup of the Ballymacoda Ladysbridge Community Council has been as busy as ever. We have been engaged in a series of exciting initiatives and gatherings that continue to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of our community. From our lively meetings filled with fresh ideas to new projects aimed at uncovering forgotten local stories, the group’s dedication and the local interest in preserving our history has become very evident.
Since reforming, we have had monthly meetings alternating between Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge where we have formulated and agreed our main pillars through which we align our activities: Preservation, Promotion and Recognition. You can read more about these here. Attendance at the monthly meetings has generally been 10-15 people, which is very encouraging.
Here’s a look at some of the latest activities, achievements and upcoming plans of the group.
Community Monuments Fund 2025
In January, with a tight deadline looming, we scrambled to submit some applications for grant funding under the Community Monuments Fund (CMF). Our two submissions were as follows:
Kilcredan Church – a digital restoration of the Tynte & Harris monuments in Kilcredan Church, as well as the rendering of a 3D model of the church, preserving local heritage, fostering greater public engagement; ensuring future accessibility of these monuments for the local and wider community.
The Signal Tower at Knockadoon – the compilation of a conservation report by relevant experts, which will inform future conservations plans for the Signal Tower at Knockadoon Head
While we were not successful with the application for Knockadoon, we are delighted to announce that we have been allocated the funding sought for the Kilcredan project – €4,500 – which will allow us to proceed with this project during 2025. Special credit to Martin Millerick who proposed the idea and to Jonathan Millar who inputted on the grant submissions.
Photo Collection Project
Our Photo Collection & Digitization Project aims to safeguard and share the visual history of Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge. By gathering old photographs from local families, community archives, and historical records, we work to capture snapshots of our past in a durable, digital format. Each image tells a story, about everyday life, key events, and the people who shaped the area, and we believe these stories should remain accessible to all, both now and in the future.
We had two very successful photo collection days in April, one in Ballymacoda Hall on April 5th, and the second in Ladysbridge Hall on April 12th. There was also an opportunity to submit photographs over email and Facebook Messenger. We have collected in excess of 1000 photographs. The response across the community for this initiative has been exceptional – we’ve had 30+ people come to our collection days and submit photos. In the coming months, we are planning to host exhibitions of these photographs in Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge Halls, and we are also planning an event around National Heritage Week in August. Stay tuned for more updates!
Note that you can still submit photos directly to us at blcchistoricalgroup@gmail.com for inclusion in the collection.
Website & Facebook Launch
We recently launched our Facebook page – Ballymacoda / Ladysbridge Historical Group. This is a great vehicle to share updates locally but also a means of connecting with our diaspora around the world. We have already received some photo submissions for our photo collection project all the way from Canada through this means.
While Facebook is widely used, it’s not used by everyone. Hence we have also launched our new website – https://blccheritage.ie/ – where you are currently reading this blog. This will be our home on the web, and will be used to record and track our activities, in addition to many future enhancements that we have planned.
Upcoming Activities
Heritage Portal
Our Humap initiative harnesses the power of an interactive digital mapping tool to breathe new life into the historical landscape of our parish. By layering archival documents, photographs, and firsthand accounts onto an easy-to-navigate map, we illuminate the stories and significance of local sites often overlooked. This dynamic platform encourages the community to explore and discover how everything, from historic buildings and commemorative monuments to old footpaths and faded boundaries, contributes to our area’s diverse heritage. Working together, we can continually update and refine this living resource, ensuring that each generation gains a deeper appreciation for the remarkable tapestry of history woven throughout our parish.
Oral History Project
The Oral History Project is a vital initiative aimed at capturing the voices, memories, and traditions of our community before they fade with time. By recording personal stories, local knowledge, and cherished folklore, we are preserving a rich tapestry of lived experiences for future generations. Through interviews and shared conversations, we ensure that the unique character, customs, and heritage of our area are not lost, but instead celebrated and passed down, keeping the spirit of our community alive.
More information coming on these soon!
Closing
We are only getting started, and the energy and enthusiasm within the group — and across the wider community — gives us great confidence for the future. Whether it’s through preserving old photographs, recording local memories, or bringing history to life in new and innovative ways, we are committed to ensuring that the heritage of Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge is kept vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far — and if you’d like to get involved, contribute stories or photographs, or simply stay informed, be sure to attend a meeting, follow us on Facebook and check back regularly here on our website.
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