The Ballygowan Evictions

An Aerial View Reminding us of Ballygowan Evictions – Courtesy GK Media

Much has been written about the Ballygowan Evictions and the story has a huge heritage significance in this area.  Stories have been handed down from generation to generation and it is important that we do not forget our past nor the difficulties out forefathers had to endure.  We were very fortunate that a recording with Pakie Conroy, a child at the time, was made by Jim Fahy, RTE journalist some years ago, and you can revisit that recording on this website.

As part of our ‘Mapping of Heritage Sites in Abbey’ project in 2023, where we documented 15 heritage sites in our area, we included Ballygowan Evictions.  One of the members of our Heritage group, Ann Hodgins, who was born in Ballygowan, remembers many of the stories that were handed down over the years.  She often heard her own mother Teresa sing the song ‘Sweet Ballygowan‘ which recalls that dreadful time and gives a factual account of the families affected.

Hope you will enjoy listening to this little bit of our history and heritage at the following link: https://youtu.be/4KRZno9SSSY