McAree Engineering, Ballinode, Co Monaghan has opened a new picnic area at Quiglough Lake to celebrate 75 years in business.
Access to Quiglough, a noted local fishing spot Rossmore Coarse Angling Club manages, is now via a newly constructed pathway with a landscaped flower bed run.
The laneway is resurfaced to the Quiglough entrance, where a picnic area complete with four table areas in natural stone is now available. Local landscape gardener, John McCaghey, landscaped the area.
Quiglough Lake
Managing director Brendan McAree stated:
“We are very proud to be part of the Ballinode Community and to have operated from the same site since my parents set up the business in 1946.”
“As part of the recent development of our factory complex work, we are committed to improving access to Quiglough, which is one of Ballinode’s hidden gems which we are delighted to promote.”
“In addition, we are also providing access to our adjacent car park.”
Operations director Vincent McAree explained:
“We have expanded our factory presence over the last few years. As part of this, we have improved the laneway down to Quiglough with a new entrance, using recovered material from the development work.”
“We hope the picnic area at Quiglough Lake will encourage more people to use this amenity.”
Tribute to founders
The new picnic area is dedicated to Vincie and Tessie McAree, the founders of McAree Engineering.
Claire McAree, CFO, added:
“It is a fitting memorial for a couple who contributed a lot to the social and community life in Ballinode and who were keen gardeners themselves.”
Madge Murphy, Ballinode Tidy Towns Committee said that this “enhances an area often blighted by dumping”.
“The improved access and picnic area is a wonderful addition to our Tidy Towns efforts.”
Commenting on the development, Rossmore Coarse Angling Club president Ronan Callan said:
“The angling club has recently refurbished the 12 fishing swims at the lake. All these developments taken together have resulted in a wonderful recreational amenity area in Ballinode.”
Vinci McAree established McAree Engineering in 1946 to service cars and stationary engines to generate electricity for local businesses.
The business grew over the years with s strong focus on supporting farmers locally and then countywide.
The business has continued to grow under the management of Vinci’s son Brendan.
The third generation of McArees are heavily involved in continuing to move the business forward.
