A RESTORED Ballinran townland sign has been officially unveiled, celebrating the enduring connection between a historic spot in County Down and a Canadian film and television production company whose name was inspired by the area more than three decades ago.
The restoration project was commissioned and funded by Ballinran Entertainment, the Stratford, Ontario-based production company founded by Craig Thompson. Since 1995, the company has carried the name Ballinran on award-winning documentaries, television programmes, and international productions seen by audiences across Canada and around the world.
The restoration work was completed by Iain Norris, of JN Kilkeel, and coordinated by Jenna Stevenson on behalf of Ballinran Entertainment. Jenna is the managing director of Nova, a County Down-based media and marketing agency.
Among those attending the unveiling with Jenna were lifelong Ballinran resident John Keown and Cllr Glyn Hanna, chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. John is the cousin of Ballinran Entertainment president Craig Thompson.
Situated against the backdrop of the Mourne countryside, the restored sign serves as a reminder of the area’s rich heritage and the enduring ties between Northern Ireland and the many people around the world who trace their roots to communities in the area.
Craig said the restoration was both a personal tribute and an expression of gratitude to the community that inspired the company’s identity.
“For more than 30 years, the name Ballinran has appeared on television screens, documentary films and productions around the world. Yet few people realise that our company takes its name from this small townland in County Down, where generations of my family have lived,” he said.
“While Ballinran Entertainment is proudly Canadian, our roots remain firmly connected to County Down and today we are actively developing a number of documentary projects with Irish themes, including productions that explore the shared history, culture and experiences of Ireland and its global diaspora.
“Restoring this sign felt like an appropriate way to honour our family heritage and give something back to the community that inspired our company’s name. It is a small project, but one that reflects our appreciation for the people, history and traditions of this area.”
Jenna said that the restoration project has already resonated strongly with local residents.
“As someone who works in communications and community engagement, I understand the importance of place and identity. From the outset, there was a strong sense that this sign represented much more than a location marker,” she said. “It reflects the history, pride and character of the community. It has been a privilege to help coordinate the restoration and to see the positive response.”
Cllr Hanna welcomed the initiative as an example of how heritage connections can strengthen communities and preserve local history.
“The restoration of the Ballinran sign highlights the importance of protecting the landmarks and traditions that help define our communities,” the council chairperson said. “It is particularly encouraging to see a company with international reach maintaining such a strong connection to its local roots. We are grateful to Ballinran Entertainment for supporting this project and helping to preserve an important part of the area’s heritage.”
John said the restored sign symbolises the family connections to the Mournes that extend around the world.
“The sign is one of the first things people see when they turn onto this road so it means a great deal to see it restored and looking better than ever,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see Craig maintaining such a strong connection to the area and investing in something that will be appreciated by the community for years to come.”
The restoration reflects Ballinran Entertainment’s ongoing commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Ireland. The company is currently developing several international documentary and television projects exploring Irish music, heritage, migration and cultural identity.
Craig believes there remains significant potential for greater creative collaboration between Canada and Northern Ireland, with many shared stories, historical connections and contemporary perspectives still waiting to be explored through film, television and digital media.
