Armoy back then – and link to present

 Way, way back

Armoy has an ecclesiastical history which played a prominent role in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. A monastery was founded here, by St. Olcan in 460. The site was presumably near the Church of Ireland beside the remains of the present Round Tower. 

Back a bit…

In 1832 the village of Armoy had 43 houses 20 of which were 2 storey. The 2 storey houses were substantial and suited to persons in business. The business types of houses were established as a consequence of a patent being granted for the holding of 6 fairs toll free in the year – 1790. 

Prior to the granting of the patent there was only 2 or 3 cabins on the roadside, and it was the granting of the patent for the fair which determined the site of the village, as  people in business were allowed to settle there. 

Tilly Molloy’s site is probably the original site of the village as we know it to-day. 

The regeneration of the site / premises has a strong link to history, culture and heritage of our community. 

 1990s-  origin and birth  of the  Armoy Community Association 

The Association probably had its embryonic beginnings in the deliberate programmes established between the two primary schools  through the Department of Education’s Education for Mutual Understanding programme (EMU). Constructive and imaginative activities and sound leadership established cross community activity at primary school level. 

Residential trips to the Isle of Man, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland proved that people would co-operate and work in mutually beneficial programmes in our divided society. This was pioneering work and genuinely pursued by both schools. 

 Summer schemes for the children in consecutive years (1993/94) also proved that cross-community activity was possible. 

The desirability of more organised programmes for the two communities co-existed  but progress was inhibited by  people ‘keeping their distance’.  The reality was that a  generation of people grew up and lived as neighbours who virtually didn’t know each other. The division and polarisation was real. 

The Association in Armoy started in October 1994 – in the immediate aftermath of the declared cessation of paramilitary violence. Representatives from both traditions were invited to come together by the Community Relations officer in Moyle, Ms Barbara Earnes, to discuss the desirability of establishing community activity to tackle issues, challenges, etc. The enthusiasm of women from both sides articulated that much needed to be done. 

Our cross community group was formed at that meeting of the 5^th October 1994. Mr  Maurice Gowland, principal of Armoy  Controlled Primary school was elected Chairman. He already served as a key player in establishing and maintaining the EMU programme for the previous ten years. 

 Dr Mary Burns was elected as secretary. She had given two and a half years of voluntary medical services in Africa and hence had a unique personal perspective on cultural diversity. The remainder of the committee were representative of the two traditions. 

 Since then to now the leadership and membership of the Association have given time and commitment to a whole range of activities, projects and functions so as to make where we live a better place. Many have contributed in their own unique way to make ‘your place and mine a better place’. 

Knowing what was needed ?

There were many legitimate views and opinions on what was needed and what people wanted! The path ahead seemed daunting and challenging. Small projects and activities were promoted and the community responded well to these initiatives. 

As a result of a very well attended  community  meeting in 1995 it was suggested that the vacant building known as Tilly Molloy’s  should be considered as a possible community base. 

To progress this idea  a community audit had to be carried out and his reflection was  

“Armoy needs a venture which will attract people, including its own residents to it. It needs a venture which people across the community, both catholic and protestant, young and old, have a sense of pride about and ownership of, to build and nourish community spirit. 

     When a place achieves a good community spirit many things can be achieved; until then, more difficult tasks may have to be put on the ‘long finger’. The development of Tilly Molloy’s is just such a project.”

 Then it was only a matter of getting the money…!!!

Application after application were forwarded to funding bodies. This is how we described Tilly’s then…

Tilly Molloy’s -Armoy

This site is at the very heart of the village “(The Diamond)”, These are the only premises located on this side of the street and are in a very public location. 

The shop, the hall and the family were seen as part of the social fabric and heritage of the Armoy area.  The development of the site will represent in a very public way that  the first step towards regeneration is taking place. 

The vacancy and dereliction of the premises has probably increased the rate of closures in the village. The present fabric of the premises symbolises in a very public way the acute nature of the deprivation. The reconstruction of these premises will present the other side of the story and demonstrate how partnerships can set out to redress the decline. Everyone “feels” that the site is the right one to develop. 

 ( To be continued)..