The Forge - Togher Cross

Only known photo from 1930 of the Togher Forge

The above iconic photograph of Togher was taken in the 1930s and showed the area as it mostly was back then. Agricultural farmland and market gardens were the predominant mainstay of the region. The area then had changed very little over the preceeding Century. Dominated as it was by many Big Houses , one could be forgiven for mistaking it for the 19th Century. However , allied to this , were the workmens cottages and several small indigenous local industires , including the ever present Forge. Medieval in appearance , it was in stark contrast to the native people's abodes , being solidly built of cut limestone blocks. Positioned in a prime location on Togher Cross , it captured any and all passing trade. However , just as the advent of the motor car usurped the usage of the bicycle , so too did the arrival of the tractor sound the death knell of the Blacksmith and his skills. The Forge fell into disuse and was finally demolished in 1968 by the owner Maxie Lane. The stones were recycled into a low garden wall in Feirm Bawn by Mrs. " Lady " Harris , a short distance from its original location.

This stock photo from the late 1930s 

gives an indication of what a typical 

blacksmith looked like in Togher

The date of construction of the Forge is problematic , though it is highly likely the Sarsfield Family had it erected off site as a rental property. Local folklore sets it in the early 17th century , circa 1601 , when supposedly , O'Niell , whilst on his way to the Battle of Kinsale , had his horse shod here. While this claim may be dubious , it is worth clarifying that the main roads to Kinsale passed through Togher , so there may be some validity in the story. So the possible genesis of the building may extend to the late 1500s.

 Hugh O'Neill who supposedly visited 

the Forge in Togher in 1601

The first recorded mention of a blacksmith is Michael Sheehan who leased it from the Sarsfields in 1851. 50 years later and John " Sean " Riordan is the blacksmith and apparant owner , who many years later would lease it to Jack Keating - the last blacksmith to work the Forge. However due to ill health and modern machinery , he gave up the Forge where it stood vacant until its eventual demise. The Forge had arguably served as the heart of Togher , at least insofar as the locals were concerned. For a while , it served as the terminus for the city bus and was the cornerstone of this sleepy hamlet. This stucture which had stood perhaps for 4 Centuries has recently been celebrated by the building of a replica anvil near the Lodge in May 2014. Gone but thankfully not forgotten.

Replica anvil on stone foundation erected 

May 2014 near site of original Forge