New Departure for Killymaddy with new Craft Centre
Publish Date: Tuesday, 05 July 2005
The new look Killymaddy Tourist Information and Craft Centre was officially opened today, Monday 4th July, by the Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone, Councillor Francis Molloy. Special guests Karen Gallagher (BBC Radio Ulster), Tom McGrath (Chairman Northern Ireland Tourist Board) and Michael Tunney (Donegal Enterprise Board) joined the Mayor to open the complex, which heralds a new departure for tourist information outlets as it now houses a high quality craft centre.
The newly renovated Killymaddy caters for all your tourism and holiday needs with computerised booking facilities, an impressive collection of tourism literature including maps, brochures, and attractions, as well as a restaurant; children’s play park, and picnic area. The innovative Craft Centre is the new focal point, showcasing the finest locally produced craft from Counties Tyrone and Donegal. Quality traditional and modern craft pieces are now presented in a new and stylish contemporary setting, which offers a striking collection of distinctive ceramics, jewellery, wood, slate and turf giftware.
Speaking at the official launch Mayor Francis Molloy said:
“We in Dungannon & South Tyrone endeavour to stay one step ahead in the growing tourism industry. Our new centre allows us to offer visitors a first class service in the provision of Tourism information and the opportunity to avail of the wealth of knowledge of the professional staff at Killymaddy”
Also present was Mr Tom McGrath, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Mr McGrath commented
"NITB relies heavily on the Tourist Information Centre Network to provide a comprehensive and professional service to all our visitors, and we are delighted to have provided support through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation for this centre. I would like to compliment all those involved in this project for all their hard work and I am certain that visitors will be impressed by the new facilities and its full range of visitor services."
Representing the craft sector was Mr Michael Tunney, Chief Executive of Donegal County Enterprise Board, who expressed his pleasure in working in co-operation with Dungannon:
"Donegal County Enterprise Board is delighted to be associated with Dungannon-South Tyrone Borough Council's new craft centre at Killymaddy and we look forward to a continuing and fruitful relationship, working together in support of the craft sector in both our counties”
Budding photographers from throughout Northern Ireland were invited to ‘Capture a Flavour of Tyrone’ on camera to mark the official opening of the new centre. Three winners were selected from the large volume of entries, and first prize was awarded to Mr George Hamill of Tamnamore for his stunning photo of Verner’s Bridge; second prize went to Leslie Wilson of Moygashel whose Autumn portrait of Dungannon’s Park Lake caught the eye of judge Karen Scott, and third prize was a winter wonderland scene at Windmill Wood by Evelyn Holmes of Dungannon.
Funding for the refurbishment of Killymaddy Tourist Information and Craft Centre was provided by: the Northern Ireland Tourist Board through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council.
