Special event marks five-year restoration project in Killough

Special event marks five-year restoration project in Killough

27 June 2018

THERE was a double celebration at the Charles Sheils charity buildings in Killough last week.

A special ceremony at the Rossglass Road building marked the 150th anniversary of the charity supporting the village and the completion of a hugely successful five-year restoration and renovation programme to bring the 31 homes it provides up to modern standard.

The charity — which enjoys the support of all the main churches — organised a special tree planting ceremony during last Friday’s celebrations, while a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Mr William Power, former superintendent at the Killough homes.

The Deputy Lieutenant, Dr Gerard O’Hare, was a special guest at the event while other visitors had an opportunity to view the recently renovated homes which are fully occupied.

Mr John Toner, chairman of the Killough Local Board which manages the homes, welcomed guests and revealed that the buildings had fallen into such a poor state of repair at one stage that a decision had to be made whether to abandon the site or spend a substantial amount of money to repair them.

He said a “courageous decision” was made to repair them with the contract to upgrade and modernise the homes undertaken by the Dundrum firm of Joseph McClune and Sons.

Mr Toner, who was the former manager of Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Hotel, became chairman of the charity’s Killough local board in 2013 after being asked to do so by Bill Gillespie.

“We are here today to celebrate the fact that the Charles Sheils houses in Killough have been providing charitable services for the village and surrounding area for over 150 years and to mark the completion of a five-year restoration of the homes,” he continued.

Mr Toner explained the 31 homes were built in three phases, starting in 1868. The properties were designed by architects Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon who also designed Belfast Castle and the old library at Belfast’s Queen’s University.

“Two further phases of building were undertaken adding a further 10 houses with all 31 homes now renovated. We now have homes which adequately meet the 21st century needs of residents and we are delighted with the work that has been carried out by Joseph McClune and Sons and overseen by conservation surveyor Chris McCollum and quantity surveyor Stephen Donaldson.”

Mr Toner explained the renovation work included extensions, fitting new roofs and modern electrical, plumbing and sewerage systems. Funding was secured from a number of organisations with the charity investing just under £3m.

An important aspect of the works was the renovation of Charles Sheils’ grave at St Anne’s Church of Ireland church in the village, with a service held in April 2015.

Mr Toner said while the restoration of the homes and adjoining grounds was essential, the charity’s residents were the lifeblood of the picturesque Killough site where the first residents, William and Margaret Adair moved to in May 1869. Sadly, a few days after moving in, Mr Adair passed away.

The current superintendent at the Charles Sheils home is Cathy Moore who lives at the site with her husband, Dermot, and children Catherine (6) and Clara (5). Cathy is responsible for day-to-day management and was praised for the work she does.

Mr Toner also paid tribute to her predecessors, with the Moore Swail family singled out for their contribution which started in 1883 and continued until 1978.

“Cathy and her husband have been managing the houses since 2012 through a period of intense transformation and renewal and over the years many others have served the charity in a professional capacity and we are very grateful to them all,” he continued.

Mr Toner recalled that before the formation of the NHS, Charles Sheils provided medical officers for the care of residents who were visited once a week and were retained on annual salary of £50.

He also thanked the many local people and volunteers for their help and support over many years, including membership of the local board which oversees the Killough homes.

Mr Toner added: “The charity could not have lasted 150 years without the support of our local volunteers and we want thank them very much for all they have done.”