Ballymun (Baile Munna in Irish) is an area on Dublin's Northside close to Dublin Airport currently undergoing demolition and regeneration.
Located on Dublin's Northside close to Dublin Airport , it is currently best known for the Ballymun flats, a development of seven apartment towers and many smaller "step-up" blocks (i.e. no elevator). The seven towers are currently in the process of being demolished.
Historically, Ballymun was a larger area than it is now, but due to what were seen to be undesirable associations, the area has shrunk since the completion of the flats. For instance in the early days of Dublin City University, then called National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin, this institution was referred to as being in Ballymun (part of the "Ballymun Project") whilst today it is referred to and has a postal address in Glasnevin even though it has not changed location, indeed much of the present day Ballymun town center comprised of the northern site of Albert Agricultural College, the forerunner of the present-day university, Dublin City University. Despite these slightly negative associations Ballymun is in fact a thriving community with a high standard of living. New housing estates are currently being built and will most likely be bought by young aspiring businessmen as their first step on the Property ladder. The rest will be occupied by the former residents of the flats. Streets have also been renamed, for example the now Glasnevin Avenue was formerly called Ballymun Avenue. The term "Glasnevin North" also appeared to describe areas formerly part of Ballymun.
The lines "I see seven towers/But I only see one way out" in the U2 song 'Running To Stand Still' are a reference to the towers in Ballymun.
Moreover, in the U2 song 'Bad', the song and lyrical focus is on drug use in the Ballymun flats.
Ballymun lost another one of its sons yesterday 10th October 2006. Peter Flynn, who was in our circle of friends (and whom I went to school with) died peacefully at the Mater hospital after a short illness.
Peter was always enthusiastic and alway enjoyed doing new things. In school we were both members of the photography club. He also joined the Kenpo Karate club that I was involved with and even though he was a mild mannered individual, I remember he was never afraid to jump in when it came to sparring (which was always something beginners found difficult to do). I also remember when the Ninjutsu club opened in Ballymun, myself and the lads including Peter were first in the queue to join up.
He was also a keen musician, playing guitar and had an encounter with fame when the local Ballymun Mens centre headed by Christy Fleming released a single for charity called "The Future Looks Bright"
and called themselves "Manzone". They also had a second single called "The Seven Flowers of Ballymun" both of which were publicised in the newspapers and with radio interviews. Peter will be remembered as playing his part in the group as a guitarist.
Peter was also participant on the original 'Tramlines' project at Ballymun where young Ballymun people were trained up as Microsoft Certified Professionals.
Peter will be sadly missed and remembered fondly by a large circle of friends. It is tragic that Peter was taken from us so quickly and at such a young age. Our sincere condolences to the Flynn family from all his friends here at NewBallymun dot com. Peter was 33.
