A townland sign in County Down has been restored in a project funded by a Canadian television production company that took its name from the area.

The Ballinran sign, located on a road near the Mourne Mountains, was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by local representatives and residents. The work was commissioned and paid for by Ballinran Entertainment, a Stratford, Ontario-based company founded by Craig Thompson.

Thompson, whose family has lived in Ballinran for generations, said the company has used the name for more than three decades but few people know it comes from this small townland. He described the restoration as a personal tribute and a way to honour the community that inspired the firm’s identity.

The restoration was carried out by Iain Norris of JN Kilkeel and coordinated by Jenna Stevenson, managing director of a County Down media and marketing agency. Stevenson said the sign reflects the history and character of the area, and that local response to the project has been positive.

Lifelong Ballinran resident John Keown, a cousin of Thompson, said the sign is one of the first things visitors see and its improved condition means a great deal to the community. Cllr Glyn Hanna, chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, welcomed the initiative as an example of how heritage connections can preserve local landmarks.

Ballinran Entertainment is currently developing documentary projects focusing on Irish themes, including migration and cultural identity, which Thompson said demonstrate the potential for greater creative collaboration between Canada and Northern Ireland.