Keeping fit with new BJD nuns' walk

The nun's walk around the ground of the former St Clare's Convent in Ballyjamesduff, which now houses the County Museum, has been resurrected and gravel put in place for the ease of walkers. Walkers may get some divine inspiration as they traverse this tranquil setting where the St. Clare nuns walked and prayed close to nature. The new upgraded walk was unveiled last Friday evening by the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, who complimented the community council for their superb initiative. He said walks were being developed all over the country for the enjoyment and benefit of both locals and visitors. Savina Donohoe from the Cavan County Museum revealed that the nuns used to walk around the garden and pray in silence frequently. She pointed out that it is an absolutely tranquil venue for walking, being secluded and lined with mature trees. The walk circles the museum and the large gardens and the nuns' graveyard. "This walk will add a new dimension to the museum and to the town of Ballyjamesduff. We hope to have the trees all named in the coming months, so that it can also evolve into an interesting nature trail," outlined Savina. She pointed out that when schools come to visit the museum, they can also take in the wonders of the nature trail. The new chairperson of the Community Council, Jennifer Hannon, said that there are a lot of community activities going on in Ballyjamesduff and there are numerous sub-committees of the community council. She will be promoting teamwork during her time in the chair. Excellent initiative Jennifer said the walk at the museum was an excellent initiative and there are already plans in place to put a second walk in place adjacent to the Oldcastle road. Credit must also go to the Community Employment team and supervisor Rosie Brady, for the excellent manner in which the project was completed. The Tidy Towns Committee is also doing "a mighty job", according to Jennifer and she has called for even more locals to get involved to compliment their work. Fifty oak trees are currently being planted in the town and the ultimate aim is to put Ballyjamesduff back up at the top in the tidy towns race and emulate the national success of years ago.