SSE Renewables joins Ballymoney Kildermot Community Group and Wexford County Council representatives to unveil a plaque at the Ballymoney Winch, Ballymoney, Co. Wexford

Plaque unveiled at the Ballymoney Winch, Ballymoney, Co. Wexford by Ballymoney Kildermot Community Group supported by Wexford County Council and SSE Renewables Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund

A projecting highlighting the history and challenges faced by fishers in hauling their vessels from the shoreline onto land was completed this week with the unveiling of information plaque at South Beach, Ballymoney.

The Ballymoney Winch Project was led by Ballymoney Kildermot Community Group and supported by Wexford County Council and SSE Renewables, though its Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund.

Danny O’Connor, Ballymoney Kildermot Community Group, said: ‘The original winch, donated by Arthur Martin, was located on the headlands overlooking the North beach in the mid-1900s.  The winch was used by fishers and sea farers to haul their boats and yawls from the shoreline back onto the beach particularly during the herring season, and provided welcome mechanical support after their long hours spent at sea.  Whilst the original winch still stands, it fell into disrepair and regrettably could not be refurbished so a decision was taken to seek a replica.

Sourced in Wexford, the replica winch was restored by a local engineer, and mounted in July 2023 at the entrance to the South Beach near the shop.  We are delighted to officially unveil the plaque and acknowledge our appreciation to Wexford County Council and to SSE Renewables for its donation toward furthering this project.  We sincerely hope that visitors and locals will pause to take a few minutes to read the plaque, view the winch, and remember the bygone days of our local maritime history’.

Deirdre Keogh, Community Engagement Manager, SSE Renewables said: ‘We were delighted to see the installation of the Ballymoney Winch and commemorative plaque. Our Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund has supported a number of maritime activities and projects along the development site coastline and this project had particular appeal as it aligned so well with our fund criteria to support projects that are engaged in enjoying or preserving the marine environment and its local heritage. The work undertaken by volunteer members of the Ballymoney Kildermot Community Group in seeing the project through to today is to be commended.  We also wish to extend our thanks to Wexford County Council for its work and support on the winch project.  On behalf of everyone at SSE Renewables, we trust that our support for the winch project and planting upgrades at the Ballymoney Crossroads, will benefit the community and tourists who visit the area’.

For details on the SSE Renewables Arklow Bank 2 Sponsorship Fund contact [email protected]