Banada Abbey Hall
Our History
History Of Banada Abbey Hall
The Sisters of Charity opened a convent at Banada in 1862 and over the following 120 years worked tirelessly in the provision of Education, Training as well as employment for the local community. In 1953 they decided to build a Primary School and this was followed in 1958 with a much needed co-educational Secondary School. With the advent of Free Education in 1997, numbers at the school began to rise rapidly. Music, Drama and Sport were an integral part of the extra curricular activities at the school and the need for a large indoor facility soon became apparent.
In 1980 the nuns funded the construction of the Hall, complete with a large stage and toilet facilities. This at a cost of almost £100,000. There was great excitement at the time of it’s construction and on 2 successive Saturdays, an army of local volunteers with tractors and diggers help to bring sand and gravel from the nuns sand pit to level the ground around the hall in preparation for the official opening. The hall was designed by local architect Padraig Neary and another local man, Nace Feely and his team, oversaw the construction process.
In 1987 the Sister of Charity departed from Banada and the school was placed under the management of the Diocese of Achonry.
In the late 90’s, Banada Abbey Secondary School was involved in a Cross-Border Project and a grant of £220,000 was secured, from the Peace and Reconciliation Organisation for the upgrading of the Hall.
This enabled the re-roofing of the facility, provision of a new heating system, construction of kitchen / cloakroom as well as toilets and showers. In addition a changing / meeting room was added behind the stage. This room later was named “The Hilary Room” in memory of the late Dr. Hilary Taheny who was an active member of the hall committee in the 90’s.
In 2002 Banada Abbey Secondary School amalgamated with the Marist Convent Tubbercurry to form St. Attracta’s Community School.
Ownership of the Hall, as well as the National School building, was transferred to the local Parish of Kilmactigue Community.
A substantial debt was left outstanding on the hall and the newly elected Banada Abbey Hall Development Co. Ltd., immediately started work on fundraising and the debt was cleared within three years.