Delight over restoration of historic clock at Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness

Delight over restoration of historic clock at Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness

26 February 2025

THE completion of works to restore the historic clock tower at the Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness has been celebrated in the village.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s refurbishment following an investment of £15,000 means the clock is back up and running, with new clock faces, back light features and a new electrical supply.

The hall was built in 1850 and used as a canteen for the employees of Hurst’s linen mill and the clock tower would also have been a familiar site to many mill workers starting and ending their shifts. 

The facility was renamed the Dan Rice Hall, in memory of a former SDLP councillor who served the area for two decades.

It currently serves as a community hub and is used for a variety of activities.

To mark the completion of the refurbishment, the council recently invited relatives of the late Mr Rice along with community representatives, councillors and members of the District Electoral Area Forum (DEA) to inspect the works.

Council chairperson Pete Byrne said: “I would like to thank everyone who devoted their time and energy to campaign for the refurbishment of the tower clocks and I am pleased that the council was able to fund this project. 

“Dan Rice Hall is a focal point to the Drumaness community and surrounding areas. It is important to help conserve this historically important building and contribute to such a vital community asset.”

Eibhlin King, a daughter of the late Mr Rice, said she was delighted that the clock tower was operating again.

“Before my brother Donal’s passing, one of his wishes was to have the clock tower operating again as a focal point for the residents of Drumaness,” she said.