Ballinacree banner

BALLINACREE'S unique Banner was the subject of a two-hour talk by historian Eugene Markey to the local Historical Society recently, where the colourful history of the 92-year-old commission Fife and Drum Band intrigued listeners.  

The Banner, which is the centrepiece of the busy hall, was ordered by band members in 1911.  Messrs. W. Ahern, J. Gibney, Ned Alwill and M. Flood paid the then substantial sum of £14 - raised locally - to a Dublin designer to acquire the piece.  Ned Alwill collected if from Oldcastle railway station on his ass and cart, despite its height and massive frame.  It proved an instant wonder locally.  The banner received its first outing in 1913, at the unveiling at Parnell monument in Dublin.  It was again on display at Tara in 1948, and in Cavan a year later.  It was seen regularly at the Pattern Day in nearby Finea, and also featured at the annual Loughcrew Mass and the Oldcastle Fleadh.  Some time ago, Emily Naper, Professional Gilder,  was commissioned by the Ballinacree Hall Committee to repair and clean the banner at a cost of £900.  The hall is only its latest home, having previously been stored in the school, as well as in Husseys and Gibneys.  

Mr. Markey described it as a magnificent banner, a tribute both to designer and painter.  The large turnout of locals was fascinated with the other flag and banner memorabilia which the acting administrator of the Cavan County Museum brought with him.  He indicated the significance of the banner, during the Home Rule and War of Independence periods.  The origin and history of the symbols (the Cavan Museum features several Orange banners from Meath lodges amongst its collection) were ably set out by the historian...  

Published in Meath Chronicle, February 2003