West Tipp heritage centre in line for national award
Tom and Joanne Coffey outside their Carnahalla Heritage Centre. Picture: Mike Hoare
A circular stone-clad heritage centre built by the farmer, who owns the 70-acres Carnhalla pre-historic site near Cappawhite, is in the running for a national award.
The Carnhalla Heritage Centre, developed by Tom Coffey, has reached the national final of the Local Authority Members Association Awards that will take place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, February 11.
The building has been nominated for awards in the best public building and best heritage categories of the LAMA awards that will be presented by RTE broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan.
Tom Coffey, who is an organic farmer, said they were very honoured that the Carnhalla Heritage Project’s heritage centre is being considered for the awards and thanked local Fine Gael Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan for nominating the centre.
The dry stone clad heritage centre was designed to fit in and complement its surrounding landscape and was officially opened in 2008 by the then Minister of State for the OPW Martin Mansergh on the longest day of the year - June 21
The building boasts a cosy cafe/restaurant, breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and information for visitors on the fascinating and ancient Carnhalla Heritage site that features more than 20 sites of archaeological note, scenic walking trails and woodland boasting the largest hazel crab and ivy trees in Ireland. Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan said she was delighted the heritage centre has been shortlisted for a national award. “It’s a fabulous and beautiful building in our area and I wish Tom and his family the best of luck in the competition,” she said.
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