Two laneways in Ballina are to receive official new names after local councillors made the decision at this week’s meeting of the Ballina Municipal District.
The decision to name the laneways, one connecting O’Rahilly Street with Teeling Street and the other Pearse Street with the Military Barracks, had been deferred from the December meeting.
The Herald Lane and Kennedy Lane were the most popular suggestions, having both been proposed twice.
The Herald Lane was suggested for the Pearse Street/Military Barracks, lane while Kennedy Lane was suggested for both lanes to commemorate the first Ballina soldier killed in World War I, Pte Stephen Kennedy of Ardoughan.
Ballina’s strong connection with France was also reflected in the submissions with a suggestion of naming the Pearse Street/Barracks lane French Lane in anticipation of the 220th anniversary of The Year of the French.
Other submissions honoured famous local people including recently deceased footballer Joe Corcoran and 1916 heroine, doctor, and TD, Kathleen Lynn.
Councillors agreed to name the laneway connecting O’Rahilly Street and Teeling Street as Dr Kathleen Lynn Lane after the Killala born Sinn Féin politician, activist, and medical doctor.
The second laneway was agreed to be named French Lane after Councillor Seamus Weir proposed the name, seconded by Councillor Michael Smyth.
Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr Annie May Reape, offered an alternative, to name the lane after former Sinn Fein TD Peter Ruttledge, but after a vote was taken councillors agreed on French Lane.
