THE Millennium Hall in Arney is the venue on Thursday, October 24 for the launch of a one year heritage programme called ‘Battles, Bricks and Bridges’.
Killesher Community Development Association and Cleenish Community Association have come together to rediscover, celebrate and bring back to life some of the areas’ rich social, historical and cultural heritage.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Fermanagh Trust, the programme aims to look into the history of the Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits and the historic Arney Bridge.
In 1594 the Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits was fought on the banks of the Arney River between local Irish chieftains Maguire, O’Donnell and O’Neill who engaged with the English forces marching from Dublin to relieve the garrison at Enniskillen castle.
The battle site is located between Drumane and Arney Bridges.
Brick and tiles were made by local people in fields along the River Arney and at the Tilery clay works before being transported on boats to Enniskillen. Nothing remains of this once thriving industry.
Arney Bridge is the oldest in the County, dating from the early 1600’s. Now a B2 listed structure it carried the main coach road from Enniskillen to Dublin and is a rare example of its type in Ulster.
The two community groups have formed a partnership to develop an exciting range of activities aimed at uncovering the history and heritage of the area including: the identification of the battle site through a community archaeological dig with Queens University and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency; the engagement of a master brick maker to work with young people and volunteers from the community to dig, mould and fire Arney brick again using local clay and traditional methods; supporting the refurbishment and protection of Arney Bridge, and a further archaeological dig in the now ruined Arney Village which were the homes of local brick makers.
The programme of events will be documented for posterity through film and the development of educational materials for local schools.
Local talks, reminiscence workshops and the odd celebration or two will provide necessary breaks from the hard work involved in digging sites and moulding bricks!
Sean Cox and Sean Corrigan the chairmen of the two groups are delighted at the range of activities developed for the programme. “Battles, Bricks and Bridges represent one of the most exciting community history and heritage projects to be held in the County for some time.
The activities have been designed to maximise community involvement and to ensure that local people, volunteers and school children are engaged so that they will learn about the areas wonderful history and heritage.
