The opening of the redevelopment of Esker Lane took place in Timahoe on Sunday where a nice crowd gathered to mark the occasion.
Roghan Headen, secretary of Tigh Mochua le Chéile, spoke about the history of the Lane and the involvement of Tigh Mochua le Chéile and Laois County Council, regarding the procurement of the grant from Oris funding.
He paid special mention to both Ann Marie Maher and Rose Doolin from the County Council for their assistance.
Cllr Paschal Mc Evoy spoke about the enjoyment that the redevelopment of the lane will have for all as it is now possible to get down the Lane.
Tom Carolan was commended upon the fine job carried out on the lane where the group present then walked down from the village where Fr David Vard officially opened the lane, and all present were treated to tea and coffee and refreshments in the Tower and Bean coffee shop sponsored by Tigh Mochua le chéile.
This is another project overseen by Tigh Mochua le Chéile – the development of the Heritage centre and the playground, Timahoe Heritage Festival and the Tower and Bean coffee shop being other projects.
The Esker looped walk brings people down to an Esker nature reserve which was formed and preserved after the last Ice Age.
This Ridge of sand starts in Timahoe and continues through Portlaoise and Mountmellick and Esker Hills in Clara in Offaly.
The lane is also was the scene of the massacre of the Last Monks in Timahoe, killed by Cromwellian forces in the 1650s. The lane was locally referred to as Murder Lane in times past.
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