Up to 5,000 expected for Ballinahown homecoming

Gardai are expecting a crowd of between 3,000 and 5,000 to descend on Ballinahown to welcome home victorious Paralympians Mark Rohan and Damien Shaw on Tuesday evening. They are advising the public to arrive early to the picturesque village and use designated parking in fields along the route in either direction on the night. Disabled parking will be available closer to the village. Roads into, and out of, Ballinahown will close to traffic from 6pm to 9pm approximately and diversions will be in place for the duration. Traffic from Athlone travelling to Ferbane or Birr and vice versa will divert through Castledaly to Doon as the stretch will be shut at Fardrum. Meanwhile, motorists coming from Clonmacnoise to Ballinahown will be diverted to Martin's of Doon as the road will be closed at Mannion's Cross. Entertainment will be provided and a parade through the village will precede the formal homecoming ceremony which will take place at approximately 7pm.