Belmullet’s dream realised 
De Facto
Liamy MacNally
Five years ago the County Manager, Mr Des Mahon, challenged the then Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Tim Quinn (FF) to pick a project that could be developed for the Belmullet area. Tim, being Tim, thought in multiples! A children’s playground was needed, Council offices, a new courthouse and much more. It needed proper Údarás na Gaeltachta offices in a Gaeltacht as large as any in Galway. A voluntary, local-based arts group had already secured European funding for an arts centre but a site was proving problematic. People talked and walked. The town park and the GAA pitch was an ideal site for what people were beginning to think just might be possible.
Trustees of land held in the name of the people were searched for, located and contacted. Their approval was needed for the project to move forward. In essence, the approval of the people was needed. A public meeting was called in December 2002. Unanimous approval was given to a plan to have the site, just off the main street, developed. It is claimed that some people who were never in agreement spoke with one voice that night! Mayo County Council was to take charge of the project. The challenge was now in the court of the Council, rather than Tim Quinn or the people of Belmullet.
BUILDING THE DREAM Fast forward to the grand opening of Áisleann Bhéal na Mhuirthead on February 2, 2007. To see a dream realised is one thing, to see it realised in such a way as it was on that day is another. Mayo County Council deserves full credit for a job done in a most professional way. In the end, it was all done to serve the people of north Mayo and especially the people of the Gaeltacht of Béal an Mhuirthead. Des Mahon had every right to be proud on that day, having seen his challenge accepted and reciprocated by so many people in the Council and the other partners in the project, the Courts Service, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the voluntary based arts group, Grúpa Ealaíon Bhéal na Mhuirthead, headed up by Ian MacAndrew, like Tim Quinn, a member of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Mayo County Council’s Peter Hynes and Pádraig Brogan were lost for words on the day. The opening honour fell on the shoulders of the current Cathaoirleach, another Erris man, Cllr Gerry Coyle (FG). He spoke eloquently, reminding people that the project partners had struck a blow, a statement of intent in supporting rural Ireland. He also acknowledged that north Mayo is also facing difficulties in other areas and called for consultation rather than confrontation, looking forward rather to the past. Des Mahon said the project was a prime example of joined-up thinking by statutory bodies. He cited it as an example of Better Local Government in action, a project related to people and place.
ARCHITECT’S DAY Architect Robbie Maguire headed up the project. He left private practice for the public service. Opening day was the high point of his professional career. Imagine the joy of watching people gasp in awe at a building you have designed, not just any building, but a building that has four distinct personalities, yet appears to be under one roof. Imagine sitting back to watch people breeze and breathe their way through space and rooms that you have effectively created as living spaces. One can feel the energy of long won battle-worn Gaelic matches and the townland rivalries that scored their victories through the posts of time. Energy is etched in the atmosphere that permeates the floors, the walls and spaces of this wonderful building that no roof can contain. Robbie Maguire can sing the Song of Simeon, his project opened on Candlemas Day.
Bishop Richard Henderson, Frs Francis Judge and Kevin Hegarty, and Rev Neil O’Rourke breathed blessings on the people and the building. Hallel Yahweh. Presentations were made to the three trustees who acted as caretakers before the land was signed over to the Council. They all spoke. Dr Tom Kelly likened Peter Hynes to a midwife, the project was overdue! Tom Bohan marvelled at the political presence. “It must be an election year,” he quipped. John McAndrew traced the history of the site for those who will grace the marble floors of this great building and wonder in whose steps they follow.
SITE HISTORY Around 1852, William Henry Caret leased the land (the town park and land west to the Shore Road) to Arthur Rose. Sea View House and dwellings on the south side of Quay Street were included. After Arthur Rose’s death Robert Carson took over the houses (later taken over by William John Shaw of Tallagh Hill). The land was taken over by John T Murphy, General Merchants, Main Street, Belmullet, who died on November 4, 1906. His son, William G Murphy took over until his death in June 1940. His sister, Minnie Murphy, bought the land at a public auction on October 7, 1941 for £500. She died in 1951/52. Her niece, Mrs Violet Reeves was the next owner until she sold it to Geoffrey Hurst on September 30, 1953. He died on October 9, 1957 when his wife, Mrs Margaret Hurst became owner.
On September 7, 1961 Mrs Hurst sold it to the Trustees of the Town Park for £1,050. They were Martin T McIntyre, Micheál O’Donoghue and Dr Tom Kelly on behalf of the Belmullet Development Society. Following the deaths of Martin T and Micheál, they were replaced by Kevin Walsh and John McAndrew. The Trustees rented the park to various organisations until it was handed over to Mayo County Council.
The next phase of its history has begun.
This project is, more than anything, a celebration of the Gaeltacht. The sun obliged on opening day. Mayo County Council deserves sunshine for this project. The people on whose watch this occurred deserve credit, take a bow Des Mahon, colleagues, politicians, et al. Comhghairdeas.
