The storm damage in February 2014 to the face of the town clock,
pictured above, brings to mind the history of a building which has been a
landmark for generations of people who have admired this picturesque building
and its chimes. Paddy "Go Aisy" Slevin and his Model T Ford lorry
were given the honour of opening the bridge at Ballyshannon, beside the town
clock, in the 1940s during the Erne Hydro-Electric Scheme.
The town clock has an interesting history and is probably the most
distinctive and recognisable building in Ballyshannon, for the countless
thousands who visit or who pass through the town. Perched at the top of a most
impressive Scottish style baronial building built in 1878, the tall two-storey
clock and bell tower with crow-stepped gables was built for the Belfast Bank
who had commenced business in the town in 1869. The Belfast Bank had close
cultural ties with Scotland and the design of this Ballyshannon bank with its
tower, gables, bellcotes and clock turret reflects the close ties between
Ulster and Scotland. It is estimated that the cost of the building was £4,000. The
building later was taken over by the Royal Bank. In the immediate vicinity was
the Provincial Bank, the earliest bank in town in 1835, where the poet William
Allingham, his father also called William and his brother Hugh, the historian,
worked at various periods. Across the street was the National Bank built around
1930, which today is the Bank of Ireland, all three banks were signs of the
commercial prosperity of the area. The history of the clock tower recalls an
agreement reached between the Belfast Bank and the planning authorities of the
day. In return for giving the bank permission to build the bank outwards
towards the road, the bank agreed to provide the town with a clock. The date of
the erection of the clock, 1878, can be seen from ground level in the stonework
just below the recently damaged clock face.
The immediate area around the clock is one of the most historic in the
town with the old customs house just across the street where the Saimer
Shopping Centre is today. The site of the town clock was very close to where
the "Speaker" Conolly (1662-1729) was born and where his family had a
tavern in the 17th century. In sight of the clock tower is the
Market Yard where the O’Donnell chieftains had their castle and where in later
times the farmers’ markets were held. Across the street was the old military
barracks built in 1700 and which stands today as the oldest building in town
and the town clock also overlooks the bridge crossing the river Erne. The
building ceased operations as a bank when the Royal Bank amalgamated with the
Provincial Bank next door and became the Allied Irish Bank around 1966. The Gallogley
family who had been in business in the town for generations carried on their
clock and jewellery business in the building until very recent times.
The town has one iconic clock visible
from all approaches to the town, thanks to the St. Anne's community, and the
peal of the bells is part of Ballyshannon's heritage. The church which is lit
up at night is a welcome beacon for people coming home or passing through town.
St. Patrick's Church and St. Joseph's Church also have welcoming bells which
evoke memories of childhood days. Visitors and local people would like to see the town clock restored.
Your support for the fundraising concert below would be appreciated on Thursday 21st February at 8.30 p.m. in Dorrian's Hotel. Event organised by Regeneration Group and Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band.
