Historic Clogher walkway reopens after 50 years

A LARGE group of Clogher residents turned out for the reopening of an historic walkway in the town that has been inaccessible to the public for the last half-a-century.

The work to regenerate Carron’s Lane, which is believed to be at least 300-years-old, has taken four months to complete.

Local councillor Eugene McConnell said the great turnout on the day was a testimony to the fact that it is something people were glad to see revived in the community.

Mr McConnell said, “When I was first elected, this project was one of the things many constituents had suggested to have regenerated and reopened.

“It’s a great place for people in the community to get out for a walk, so after negotiations with the council we were lucky enough to secure funding for it.

“It had become very overgrown and had fallen off the radar to an extent, but I believe that it will now serve the community well.”

He also said that they have secured a commitment from Mid Ulster District Council to maintain and upgrade the walkway when required.

Mr McConnell added, “As a councillor from the local area, it’s small wins like this that resonate with the people and I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. I believe it will be extremely beneficial to our small community.”

Carron’s Lane is shown on a 1745 map of the town as a route down to the Cornmill at Terrew.

It is also on James Lendrum’s 1824 map of the City of Clogher when it leads down to the Fintona Road, then under construction.

It was originally known as the Mill Lane or Short’s Lane but eventually became known as Carron’s Lane after a blacksmith called McCarron who had a forge at the top of the lane behind the Main Street.

Men used to lead their horse up the lane from the Fintona Road to the forge.

The lane was nearly closed up when the new flats were built behind the Main Street in the 1970s, however, local residents petitioned to the then Clogher Rural District Council to keep it open.

As time ticked on, the lane fell somewhat to neglect, but once again, thanks to the efforts of local people, this historical right of way have been saved for future generations.