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Ballygar |
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Ballygar, an attractive little town, on the N63, is
situated by the River Suck, which forms the county boundary
with County Roscommon, and thus is an ideal base for the
angler. It is a limestone river, rich
in fly life, and was once regarded as one of the prime trout fisheries in
the country. It also runs low in summer because of a drainage scheme.
Ballygar Carnival has been as annual event since 1945. It is a festival of
entertainment for all ages. Events include, dancing, discos, funfair,
street entertainment, fancy dress, country fair & sport tournaments.
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Fishing
The best of the trout fishing is from early in the season to about
mid-June. The average size of the trout is said to be approximately 0.75
lb. The best of the mayfly hatch is from Rookhill downstream. Stretches
that are very worthwhile are in the vicinity of Tryhill and Ilandcave
Bridges,and also at Nolan's Fort.
Hollygrove is a 50 acre lake located between Ballygar and Athleague,
upstream of Rookwood Bridge on the River Suck system. It is within half a
kilometre of the main River Suck. The lake is a fairly shallow , typically
5 feet with two deep veins where bank fishing is best. While all coarse
fish are present it is primarily a Tench and Pike fishery. There are a
good stock of Hybrids, Roach and Rudd also. You can expect Tench to 7lbs
and Pike to 25lbs+. Specimen Tench have been recorded over recent years.
Angling for Tench is best during night hours. For coarse angling
pre-baiting is always recommended for best results. Most Pike are caught
trolling dead bait. Spinning from the Island has proved successful using
an American 'Jerk' bait.
Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore
Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore (below), considered the "father of the American
concert band," was born in Ballygar, Ireland in 1829. After immigrating to
the United States in 1849, P.S. Gilmore settled in Boston, where he began
his long and illustrious career as one of America's foremost bandleaders
and concert organizers.
Beyond his accomplishments as bandleader and concert organizer, P.S.
Gilmore was also a successful composer. One of his Civil War songs, "When
Johnny Comes Marching Home," first appeared as part of The Soldier's
Return March and was later published separately under the pen name Louis
Lambert.
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Walking Festival
The "Suck Valley Way" is the West of Ireland's most unique and diverse lowland
walk. This 100km way-marked stretch is suitable for all types of walker and can
be taken at stages of varying length.
The River Suck links a 60 mile stretch of countryside in West Roscommon and East
Galway known as The Suck River Valley. Walkers can enjoy this unspoiled
countryside by walking The Suck Valley Way. Towns and villages in East Galway
will come alive with guided walks and tours, dramatisations, music, poetry,
exhibitions, clan reunions, traditional games and dancing during this series of
events between 22nd June and 12th July. The events celebrate the 400th
anniversary of the historic march of the famous Irish chieftain, O'Sullivan
Beara. He led his followers from Beara in West Cork to Breifne in Leitrim in
1603. This route passed through the many towns and villages of East Galway who
are now celebrating this historic march with a variety of historic, cultural and
fun events. The events are being co-ordinated by "Galway Greenways", a group of
volunteers from the 11 Galway communities, and form part of a national series of
events being run by 65 communities along the route. The route taken by
O'Sullivan Beara is currently being developed into a long distance walking,
cycling, heritage and clans route, known as the "Beara Breifne Greenway".
Ballygar's long street and square are kept neat and tidy,
and it is not surprising that the town has won a number of
Bord Failte Tidy Town awards. Just 1.5km north of the town,
lies Aghrane Woods with lay-by, picnic sites and forest
walks.
It was also the home of famed Galway
footballer, Mattie McDonagh, the only Connacht man to win four All-Ireland
Senior Football medals.
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