Ballinkillen
Ballinkillin or Ballinkillen (Baile an Chillín, meaning “settlement of the cillín”) is a small village between Borris and Muine Bheag.
The picturesque village of Ballinkillen, nestled under the shadow of Mount Leinster. Ballinkillen is located approximately 8km south of Bagenalstown. The town has many historical features to portray.
Ballinkillen National School is one of Ireland’s oldest continuously operating schools and is among the historical structures in this town. This was constructed in 1810 at the request of Reverend Michael Prendergast.
A monument dedicated to Fr. John who had been mortally wounded from being dragged off his horse in 1835 is close by. A Celtic cross of limestone with a wrought iron railing was situated near to where his body was discovered.
To commemorate his parents Cardinal Patrick Francis Moran erected a massive copy of a 19th century high cross in the churchyard.
Ballinkillen Gaelic Athletic Association is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Ballinkillen. The club has featured Gaelic football teams since 1890 but the focus has shifted to hurling since a reorganisation in 1957.
Local Businesses
Things to See & Do in Ballinkillen
Local Attractions
St. Lazerians Church: the Church in Ballinkillin is dedicated to St. Lazerian and has a stained-glass window designed by the renowned William of Youghal. There are four other stained-glass windows in honour of Christ, Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. Patrick This church was built around 1793 by Fr. Michael Brophy and is one of the oldest churches in the area.
Lorum Church: the Church is located just 1.5 miles from Ballinkillin. Dedicated as the Church of the Good Shepherd by Bishop Neal in 2001, there is a large burial ground behind the church and an ancient chapel ruin nearby. Some of the headstones date back to 1730 and there is also the remains of a High Cross nearby.
Sports
The local GAA club based in the village of Ballinkillin was founded in 1890 and while the club has fielded football teams as far back as 1890, the club has been a hurling stronghold for over half a century. The club colours are blue and gold.
Ballinkillen Lourdes Grotto
The Lourdes Grotto was officially opened in October 1998. The site, known as “The Grove”, was donated along with the statues. The grotto was built with local granite stone and by voluntary labour.
Ballinkillen Lorum Community Centre Club
Ballinkillen Lorum Community Centre was built as a response to the needs of the local community and opened its doors on 1st November 1979. A central location for a diverse group of people, it is often used for various sporting activities, bingo nights, movie nights and quiz nights. It was constructed as a piece of community outreach and raised the necessary funds through the generosity of local residents of all ages.
Activities
There are a variety of activities in the area which include: mountain and hill walking, fishing, swimming, sightseeing, golfing, visiting historic castles at Ballyloughan and Ballymoon or the Blessed Well at Killoughternane.
People of Interest
Theresa Malone, the heroine of 1798 is buried in Ballinkillen and a plaque was erected in her memory in 1998. Theresa lived for 90 years and was buried in Ballinkillen Graveyard. It is believed she died at the time of the Fenian Rising in 1868. Her funeral caused quite a stir at the time as the authorities were afraid that the funeral of the 1798 veteran would be used as a platform to arouse republican fervour.
Local News
SETU host Computing Summer Camps
SETU is hosting a computing summer camp from 7 – 10 June on its Carlow campus. The computing camp, will give senior cycle students a taste of what it is like to study computing in college by introducing them to a variety of computing disciplines in a fun and...
The Great Irish Bake in aid of The Children’s Health Foundation
The Borris Toddler Playgroup are organising The Great Irish Bake in Borris Town hall on Saturday June 4th from 12 noon to 3pm. With loads on offer, there are a range of ways for you to support the event and also some fun for the younger members of the family. Further...
Carlow’s Pride of Place
Carlow’s Pride of Place Towns & Villages Entry Form 2022 can be found on Carlow.ie website under publications: https://www.carlow.ie/publications/ CLOSING DATE TOMORROW MAY 18TH!
Carlow Youth Survey
Carlow County Council are inviting teenagers to take part in the Carlow Youth Survey! This is a short 7 question survey, we really welcome your views. Closing date is 20th May! Take the survey at https://buff.ly/3wlAkTy
Major drive to develop community gardens and share ideas across County Carlow and the EU.
As part of Ru:RBAN, which is an EU Urbact Project, the County Carlow ULG Group in association with Carlow County Council invites people who have a passion for Community Gardens to attend a International Community Garden Workshop being hosted in Carlow on 25th-26th May...
Female Athlete Research Study
Female Athlete Research Study A South East Technological University (SETU) PhD student is inviting all female athletes to participate in a research study. The study will investigate the effect of daily activities (normal food and fluid intake and physical activity) on...
CARLOW ARTS FESTIVAL 2022 Thur 9 — Sun 12 June 2022 After two years of limited live experiences, we invite you to join us for the 2022 festival, presented in person at our HQ in the grounds of Carlow College and across Carlow town. The festival presents artists’ work...
eir & EasyGo partnership: first installation of EV Chargers in Carlow
May 6th 2022: eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, has today announced the installation of seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in County Carlow, with further installations planned across the county, as part of its partnership with EasyGo,...
County Carlow Chamber have been shortlisted in 3 categories in the National Chamber Awards
Yesterday saw the announcement of the shortlist for the Chamber Awards, designed to recognise best practice that has supported Chamber members and their communities in a variety of ways across the country. County Carlow Chamber are delighted to have been shortlisted...
A Carlow woman who took up writing in her late 30s has published her debut novel to rave reviews. Kathleen Murray’s first novel, The Deadwood Encore, was launched earlier this week in Visual, Carlow. A brilliantly inventive and witty novel about legacy and birth right...