Togher Historical Association: 4th Fieldwork Trip

It was hard to believe but almost 7 months had elapsed since the Togher Historical Association had been on the ground and in the flesh! Such was the severity of the weather , that it had taken from October 2013 until May 2014 to continue the latest Fieldwork trip - this particular one being the 4th such endeavour. So it was that on Bank Holiday Monday , May 5th 2014 , that Billy O'Brien and Eamonn Pearse set off for pastures new or in this case very ancient. But first there was time for coffee and coronados at Whytes Centra at Togher Cross. It was here that the group happened upon the first of many surprises of the day. Stationed in the recess outside the entrance to the shop was a stone and cement plinth guarded on all sides by plastic bollards. They later learned that this was the foundation for a replica blacksmith's anvil which the Heritage Group had secured to honour the late nearby Forge which was sadly demolished in 1968. The anvil will make a welcome addition to the replica hand pump situated to its right , the original having been in situ up to 1968 near the present Vicar's Road. Thanks must go to Fergal Dennehy and Niall McCarthy of the Togher Community Assoc. and Mr. Whyte of Centra for their efforts in acknowledging Togher's past.

Concrete and stone plinth awaiting ye olde anvil

commemorating the presence of the Forge on

Togher Cross demolished 1968

Suitably refreshed and appropriately attired for the wet day that was in it , the Team began their foray into the misty past of Togher. First on the agenda was a stroll down the original private roadway of the Sarsfield Family. The road would have originally started on the right of the Lodge through the high iron gates , but today a short cut on the left of same gains access to the ancient pathway. Emerging into the tree lined parade , the team remarked on the age of this former carraige way , which in times past would have seen the residents in horse drawn buggys being carried to the Big House. Of course as the 20th Century dawned and the advent of Henry Ford in Cork City , the proud equestrians would have been replaced by a smarter horseless variety. It was also noted here that the pathway was trailed on both sides by gulleys - whether manmade or not was in question - suffice to say that the left ravine did appear to be natural as it carried a body of water which moved swiftly only to be terminated by a storm grill further on and fed off into an underground pipe to its immediate right - which was later learned lead off towards the Glasheen River. Much speculation was forthcoming as to this course being part of the original waterflow of the Liberty Stream before its diversion alongside the main Togher Road in the 1840s!

The start of the old pathway known variously as

the Avenue or African Missions lane

in more modern times

Eamonn Pearse walking with trepidation as the

foliage starts to clear back from the pathway

If you listen carefully you can almost hear the

ghostly clatter of horses hooves as the ancient

trees call out to you

A much welcomed opening along the Avenue

revealing Westbury Grove flanked by ancient trees

Could this be the famed original course of the

Liberty Stream which in the 1830s flowed both

into the Tramore and Glasheen Rivers

Coming out for air , the Team pause for a look at

the old Togher hamlet where it all began

many Centuries ago

The team then lost no time in boarding the trusty Historymobile to make its eventual way towards Forge Hill and the site of what has been termed the Old Tanning Cottage. This residence up to only a few years ago was the home of the O'Neill Family.

Interior view of the historymobile as it winds its

way around the ancient environs of Togher

Today it is derelict and extremely overgrown with vegetation and quite impassable and should be noted that it serves as a physical marker for the beginning of Lehenagh Beg Townland. It should be remembered that the members wore safety boots with leggings and wet gear ( heavy gloves were also carried ) as some of the terrain encountered is dangerous.

The Blog does not recommend undertaking any such venture whatsoever without proper supervision and also reserves the right to be non - accountable for the actions of others.

The sign which adorned the side of the Cottage was in remarkable contrast to the condition of the building. The original iron gate was still intact but like the remainder of the abode was covered in briars and brambles and overshot with trees and foliage which enmeshed it completely. Eamonn Pearse took the direct route in through the gateway whilst Billy O'Brien circled around on the roadway and entered from the side. The Cottage was extremely worn not only by the passage of time but by what appeared to be fire damage. It is barely viewable from the roadside and is well on its way to being returned to nature. The roof is exposed and the plasterboard and staircase are rotted rendering them unsafe to any footfall. The wind howled through the building the entire course of the visit. The sad demise of this residence serves only to enhance its value as a glimpse into the past when this area was home to a thriving Tanning business , so much so , that the nearby Glenmore River after passing by had its course altered to cater for the operation which was housed across the road where the now Celia's Showrooms and Scrapyard are located.

Concealed iron gate to old Tanning Cottage

The old Tanning Cottage aka Hill Rest

As seen from Pouladuff Road

As seen from Forge Hill

This door kept banging open and shut

(Un)Living Room interior shot

Exposed roof interior shot

Staircase to nowhere

Sunlit interior wideangle shot

Ghostly remains of Hill Rest

Safely outside once more , as seen from the

original location of Celia's Pub ( demolished 1999 )

The Glenmore River which passes to the left

of the Cottage as viewed from Forge Hill

No time was left to ponder on the hillock near the river as the Team set off once more in search of a far bigger house. Garrane Darragh was firmly in the sites of the intrepid explorers as coordinates were entered and a course plotted for the next venture. The problem with Garrane Darragh house was that it was to all intents and purposes inaccessible. That is , until a break in the steel fence which surrounds it near Eagle Valley Estate was spotted! So with much trepidation and great anticipation , the duo set foot inside and boldly trudged their way towards the objective.

Billy O'Brien pointing the way towards the titular

big house in Garrane Darragh Townland

What greeted the pair was like something out of a ghost story. Shivers went down the spine as it felt as if they had somehow been transported back in time. The house even though in a ruinous state still gave some hint as to its past grandeur! Most of the ground thereabouts lay on a steep gradient and towards the bottom was marshy with many ancient oak trees all around. The house was quite run down and derelict as can be seen from the photos. A trackway which would have at one time lead off to the Lodge ( now demolished ) over as far as Woodhaven Estate across the South Ring Road was still partially visible to the left as you approached the house. This would have turned in left to a semi circular raised courtyard just outside the main entrance of the house , which was discernible up to a point. The main door was guarded by 4 metal pillars which stood like silent sentinels. Eamonn was first in and rather than meeting a bat out of hell was instead greeted to the pigeon from hell as it suddenly flew out disturbed by camera flashes and noise. What greeted the Team inside was a sad affair and only served to enhance the importance of recording the place before nature finally dealt its death blow.

Living room interior shot leading into

hallway and kitchen

Badly decomposed staircase

Upstairs landing showing exposed

timber frames

Bedroom with boarded up window and fireplace

Badly rotted floor of second bedroom with fireplace

and exposed beams

Alcove barred window off staircase

Remains of the kitchen with retro fitted floor units

Drawing room downstairs interior shot

Once outside for some welcome fresh air , which was in stark contrast to the musty interior of the Big House , the team set about exploring the grounds. The House up to a few years ago was surrounded to the rear by a trio of workmens cottages and stables , all now gone. Eamonn , sharp eyed as ever , spotted a makeshift fence which lead into a side field - composed of the original sleepers rescued from the lifting of the Cork Bandon Railway track in 1961 with the tracks being sold to Nigeria and the trackbed being sold back to the local farmers. It was comforting to know that there was at least some visible reminder of the railways past in Togher! One of the original gateways into the Estate was also viewed to the steep rear of the house. This would have lead onto a private road ( now returned to nature ) which would have followed the Bandon railway track all the way back to Doughcloyne Hill. The area was replete with ancient Oak Trees which looked magnificent and splendid in equal measure. The gradient of the land lead down towards a marshy bogland full of reads and pondlife. The land was denuded of all turf reserves in 1950 and had served as pasture until very recently. A sad end to a mysterious past. But sometime even ghosts talk!

Original sleepers from closed Bandon line circa 1961

Close up view of remnants of Bandon railway track

Original second gateway which lead off towards

Doughcloyne Hill

Steep Grove of Oaks which gives its name to

the townland of Garrane Darragh

Alternate view of lengthy access route to Big House

Marshy bogland at end of Estate

The team really enjoyed the 4th Fieldwork trip ; even though the rains continued unabated and the trekking and hacking through vegetation was wearisome , a great day was enjoyed by all. The Togher Historical Association will definitely be making a return trip in the near future. Before the event was brought to a close , Eamonn recorded a video for posterity as shown below. Enjoy!

UPDATE! : Whilst the last venture into Toghers dim and distant past was barely over , Eamonn was out and about the very next day in the trusty historymobile and happened upon a scene that had him racing towards it arms akimbo! The concrete and stone plinth mentioned at the start of the last quest had something new and even better somebody new! History never rests and so it was that Eamonn speechless , it should be added , took these snapshots of the anvil being placed into position by Mr. Pat O'Callaghan acting on behalf of the Heritage Group. Mention was made of the Historical Association which delighted the craftsman no end. Enjoy the historic photos of the latest tribute to Togher's past - an anvil representing the old Forge. Thanks again to Whyte's Centra and the Heritage Group for their efforts to date.