The Lodge - Togher Cross

Perhaps one of Togher's more iconic landmarks is the Lodge located at Togher Cross. Built in 1820 to serve as a Gatekeepers house onto the Estate of the Sarsfields , it is constructed of limestone blocks. The Lodge served as the access point onto a Private Road which lead up to the Sarsfields Big House ( now converted to office usage ). This beautiful building has withstood the rigours of the Irish weather for close on two Centuries! It originally had two high walls either side of the structure with a gate and longer wall on its right side which extended to the now extinct stream wall on the corner. There was a small boundary wall on the left of the house which enclosed a garden. This wall sported a waterspout which disappeared in the 1960s. The roof was replaced in the 1930s by Marshall & Scully from Pouladuff Road who used to carry out all the Sarsfields maintenance work. An extension was added onto the west side in the 1940s.

Lough Harriers at Togher Cross 
by the Lodge circa 1923

The Lodge has been famous in days of yore for being the starting point for Bowling and as a meeting place for the Lough Harriers ; and in more modern times as the terminus for the number 14 Bus. The Togher bus pre - 1970s gave rise to a famous Cork saying : " Stay in by the walls and mind the buses " - made famous by a Cork Comedien. This was in reference to Togher's past when it was a long country road , walled for the most part along its route.

The Lodge as seen in modern times 
sans high walls and gate

The Lodge has seen many uses down the years : from a Gatekeepers House to a Private School ( Non- Denominational but fee - paying ) to Private Residence to Dental Clinic. It stopped being used as a Lodge in 1947 when Sarsfield sold his Estates to the S.M.A. and moved to England.

The Lodge circa 1940s with the Spillanes

Note original Gate and High Wall to right of building

Known Occupants as shown below:

1830s to 1849 - Private School

1849 - Riordans

1900 - Teddy O'Niell

1920 - Sextons

Late 1940s to 1999 - Spillanes ( Tom d. 1993 ; Hannah d. 1999 )

1999 to 2005 - Vacant

2005 - Dental Clinic