THE former manager of Roscommon County Council, Mr Donal Connolly, was commended at the An Taisce awards in Dublin last night, for his vision in acquiring King House at Boyle, "and in recognising its architectural and historical importance".
Described as "the most important provincial town house in the country", it was bought by Roscommon County Council in 1988 and restored under the guidance of Shaffrey Associates. It is now used as an exhibition area and interpretive centre.
King House was one of 14 projects honoured for "their out standing contribution to our heritage and environment" last night at An Taisce's 50th anniversary awards.
Other projects to receive awards included the Cobh Heritage Centre, which houses an exhibition on emigration; the Doon Fort and natural trail at Claremorris, Co Mayo, a late Bronze Age lakeshore village; Kilfane glen at Thomastown in Co Kilkenny, a restored 1790s "wild garden"; Kinnity community centre in Co Offaly, a restored mid 19th century schoolhouse; Newtown castle, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, a superbly restored" early 16th century round tower house; Rothe House, Kilkenny, a restored 17th century townhouse; Croom mills heritage centre, in Co Limerick, a restored old mill store and mill race; Enfield Royal canal harbour, in Co Meath, a restored canal harbour; Tullyarvan mill, in Buncrana, Co Donegal, a restored early 19th century mill; Turraun wetlands at Boora bog in Co Offaly, a newly developed wildlife area; and the Burren Centre at Kilfenora in Co Clare, "Ireland's first true interpretive centre."
The two other awards were presented to men who have made distinguished contributions to heritage in Ireland. They are Mr George Cunningham, who has been "a prime mover in historical and conservation activities in the town of Roscrea, Co Tipperary, and Mr Leo Hallissey, of Letterfrack, Co Galway, who was founder of the Connemara Environmental Education Centre.
