The Five Star - A Special Photograph

While the Blog will endeavor to publish many articles in the future on the now defunct Southside Shopping Centre which was once located on the site that Lidl now occupies , perhaps its original anchor tenant is the one which elicits most memories from Togher residents and ex-Pats - the Five Star - which also went by the local moniker of the " Fiva ". This Supermarket chain opened in 1970 heralding a new localised shopping experience for the suburb which was still in its infant stage as a modern district. Rising , like its sister units which ran adjacent to it , from the ashes of the former Clashduff House , it soon became an important feature of Togher. Managed by Mr. Charlie McCarthy a.k.a. " Macker " and staffed by locals on a full and part time basis , it integrated into the community seamlessly. Complete with its coffee dock and up to date stock , it was viewed as a Metropolis by long time residents all over Togher , who could now shop nearer to home. It rightfully lays claim to being the first suburban Shopping Centre in Cork City!

Five Star in its prime back in the 1970s

Sadly , with the advent of competition , in the wake of the new Togher Shopping Centre next to Ardmanning House which opened the following year in 1971 and the new gigantic Wilton Shopping Centre which opened its doors to Cork City in 1977 , the end was in sight for the " Fiva " and it pulled down its shutters for the last time as it entered the 1980s. As quickly as it had emerged , so too did it disappear. Aside from several local enterprise schemes which utilised the empty husk , it finally submitted to the wrecking ball in 2005 and another Togher institution was erased forever from the landscape.

Former Five Star seen on left in the 1990s

While outside photographs of the Supermarket are thin on the ground , it could be declared that inside ones are ultra rare! However , Anna Marie O'Shea was kind enough to loan the Historical Association an absolute gem! Back in 1971 , the Five Star ran a local promotion ( thought to celebrate its official opening ) by staging a supermarket trolley run , with the grand prize being a new oven. The winner was Mrs. O'Shea , Anna Maries Mother and part of the fantastic gift was a large black and white photograph , showing the Manager , Mrs O'Shea and her Daughter , Anna Marie , with Garda Bill Daley on left ( All Ireland road bowling champion ) & Charlie McCarthy on the right ( St. Finbarrs & Cork hurler ) on hand to present the prize. In the background are some locals , unknown at this time , though speculation is rife as to who they actually are.

Eamonn Pearse posing on exact location 

of old Five Star with original photograph

Eamonn Pearse , photographer with the Historical Association undertook a labour of love in restoring the 40 plus years old artifact to as pristine a condition as was possible with the aid of modern technology. Many hours were spent taping the badly damaged paper back together and photoshopping completed the task to bring it literally back to life. Below can be seen the process as it transformed from mere pieces to ultimately a piece of history which can now be enjoyed by all. The Blog would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to Anna Marie O'Shea and Eamonn Pearse.

 Original condition photograph

 High quality restored darkened version

Lightened version to show 

background detail in more clarity

10th Fieldwork Trip - 14th February 2015 - Garrane Darragh Lodge

Following hot on the heels of the previous Sunday's " spring burst " back into life ( 9th Fieldwork Trip ) , the Historical Association out of love for its role , devoted the next Saturday morning to going out in the field again. So barely 6 days later ,  Kathleen O'Keeffe and Eamonn Pearse on behalf of the Blog , cast all thoughts of Valentine's Day to one side and got down and dirty to bring you this report.

 Graandarough ( Garrane Darragh ) and Owner

Taylor & Skinner Road Map 1777

 19th Century OSi map showing locations 

mentioned in Fieldwork Trip report

 Modern view of " Lodge " off Bandon Road

Their mission was to investigate the only extant Lodge of the old Garrane Darragh house located further inland next to the now Eagle Valley Estate. The Big House itself , of which very little is known , save a name which crops up in the 1777 Taylor & Skinner ( not drawn to scale and incorrect Anglicisations ) Road Map - i.e. Carey - must have been an important structure , given the fact it had 3 main routes leading up to its courtyard ; the Northern one by the bridge in Woodhaven under which the Glasheen River flows , the second to the South which is partially accessible via the rear entrance off Togher Road to the Mormon Church and the third one off the Bandon Road next to the Garage , which remarkably still survives. It was to this spot that the team set their sights. Although not a Lodge in the classical sense , it obviously served as a structure of some importance , given its location on the old ford crossing of the Glasheen River which flows past it.

 Left view of Ford Bridge

 Right view of Ford Bridge

 Loosened stone slabs lining banks 

of Glasheen River near old " Lodge "

Close up of slabs being overtaken by nature

The team ventured up the trackway adjacent to the Garage pausing to take snapshots of the Ford Crossing , composed entirely of unenforced concrete slabs which first came into vogue in the 1850s , hinting at the date of construction , though not widely adopted by Stonecutters at that time , for obvious reasons. If this bridge can be dated accordingly , then it is a rare example , albeit on a small scale of this new invention! Loosely strewn stone slabs were also encountered lining the banks of he Glasheen River , though it is unknown at this time whether they were originally part of a wall or simply quay style placements.

 First view of old Lodge - Garrane Darragh

 Close up view of ancient Lodge

The pathway thereafter was extremely muddy with hints of marshland nearby , indicating the presence of an old well , which was not investigated on this particular trip. However plans are already in motion to return in the near future to complete the exercise. Soon , the structure made itself plainly visible , despite much coverage of vegetation. What was remarkable about the building was its roof and gable end being slated , almost like a Dutch Bungalow! No other structure akin to this has been found in Togher to date!

Slated Roof and Gable End of Lodge

Eamonn Pearse then ventured inside the ancient homestead to photograph the inner walls , whose original stonework could be seen through the fading plasterwork. What was glaringly obvious was the lack of a fireplace or indeed any chimney protruding from the roof , leading the team to speculate as to the true purpose of the " Lodge ". A strange agricultural type apparatus under the leanto was possibly the smoking gun as to the answer to the mystery of an absence of any smoke outlet. It was suggested that the " Lodge " was in fact a farm animal shelter , though this is still unknown at this time.

 Interior shot of Lodge showing exposed stonework

 Doorway to the past!

Unknown Agricultural apparatus inside leanto?

One last trek was completed around the rear of the " Lodge " before the Team ended their foray into the past. The track which would originally have lead up to the Big House was all but returned to nature. More questions than answers had resulted from the day's visit , but all in all , it served only to garner more interest for future research. The duo departed with plans already being made for further investigations.

 Rear view of old Lodge

Alternate rear view of old Lodge

9th Fieldwork Trip - 8th February 2015 - 02 / 02 - Southern Fruit , Kelly's House & Woulfe House

The team then departed The Mountain ( see Part 01 ) and set off for Southern Fruit in Lehenaghmore. Rumours had been circulating online that the famous Togher outlet had been closed down suddenly and unexpectedly. What greeted them confirmed their suspicions as the yard was locked up and all signage had been removed. A sad end to a Togher institution!

Southern Fruit now sadly closed down!

Southern Fruit in all its glory circa 2011

Whilst in the vicinity a photo opportunity presented itself in the form of the extant front wall of the old Lehenaghmore House. The outline of a doorway and possible window cold be found in the old stonework with the top layer reconstituted at some time in the recent past. Parts of the original orchard walls are still to be found in the neighbouring Palmbury Estate.

Front facing wall of old Lehenaghmore House

Kelly's House off  Matthews Hill ( next to O'Neills residence on corner ) was next on the Teams call sheet. The now abandoned homestead , formerly a Labourer's Cottage , is barely visible from the road. The house itself is reached via a dirt track with a steep gradient which is heavily overgrown by trees and brambles. Research is ongoing as to the occupants. The structure itself is in a derelict state but still hints at its former rustic setting , which although now in ruins , is still peaceful and serene.  Another trackway leads off to the left of the Cottage where it is believed 2 other derelict Cottages are in situ.

 Barely visible off Matthews Hill

 Dirt trackway leading up to Kellys House

 Gable end of Cottage

 Rear view of ivy covered Cottage

 Old style outside toilet

 Alternate view of gable end of Cottage

Angled shot of Kelly Household

The last stop of the day was prompted by Kathleen O'Keeffe who informed the rest of the team that the old Woulfe Residence had been recently demolished. Turning in off Ardcahon into Woulfe's Lane confirmed her suspicions. Not only had the old homestead ( see house in its pre - demolition state in October 2014 ) been reduced to a pile of debris , but in front of it , three new houses had been erected , phoenix like , from the foundations which had been photographed only 5 months earlier! This is part of the ongoing Private Housing scheme initiated by Ruden Homes Ltd.

 Woulfe House sadly now demolished

3 new houses in background running adjacent 

to site of former Woulfe House

All in all , a good day's work had been undertaken in a couple of hours in viewing the ever changing landscape of Togher , which is progressing at an alarming rate. The team were already planning their next Fieldwork Trip! To read reports on all previous on the ground Trips , click on the title " Fieldwork " under Labels on the main page.

9th Fieldwork Trip - 8th February 2015 - 01 / 02 - The Bog , Devils Rock , Glasheen River and The Mountain

Awakening from its enforced winter hibernation since last October , the Historical Association was readied into action by Kathleen O'Keeffe on Sunday Afternoon 8th February 2015. The weather had warmed sufficiently enough for the Blog's 9th Fieldwork Trip. The agenda this time around focused primarily on an area close to the hearts of many readers - Deanrock. Although nowadays home to a matured Housing Estate , it was in the recent past , the site of a Big House , a Quarry and pasture land. But it was to the periphery of the neighbourhood that the team , made up of Kathleen O'Keeffe , her Daughter Alex , Billy O'Brien and Eamonn Pearse spent their efforts on. With that in mind , a full lap of the Old Bog , the present day Clashduv Park , was undertaken. Beginning by Abbeyville Vets situated on the corner of Clashduv Road and the entrance to Deanrock Estate , a sombre walk was taken at an easy pace along the now named Deanrock Avenue - the main arterial route which curves around the Estate and back onto the main Togher Road. But first time out was taken to inspect the titular Plaque at the entrance to Deanrock. Aside from listing all the various Estates contained within the neighbourhood , the large column of stone contained some fascinating if unknown detail , such as the not easily seen art embossed on the top side and the two metal figurines ( see photos below ) inset on both sides of the block. Also the newly erected and named Deanrock Avenue road sign presented itself for inspection. Apparently , this was erected to avoid confusion between the nearby Deanwood Avenue , though some locals attest that it only serves to further confuse the situation. It should be noted that exact replicas of both Plaque and road sign adorn the entrance to Deanrock Estate on the Togher Road entrance.

New Abbeyville Veterinary building 

on site of former TSB bank

 Recently erected signage

Former Bog now Clashduv Park

 Official Council erected plaque listing Estates

 Rear of Plaque with Irish inscription of Deanrock

 

 Top view of Plaque with unknown detail

 Unusual metal sculpture side inset

Opposite side metal sculpture side inset

Time was then spent reminiscing about the now extinct N.B.A. flats complex which still left ghostly traces of its past in the ground. Original parking areas and steps are still in situ including the trees in the middle of the field which would have lead to the big Deanrock House ( demolished in the late 1960s ) and preserved later as a walkway between the flats. There have been many protests from locals about the possible future of the site in recent times but hopefully it will be resolved soon and treated in a tasteful fashion.

Remnants of Original walkways and car park

 Original treeline of old pathway to Deanrock House

 Original Treeline which also served as walkway 

between N.B.A. Flats

Alternate view of site from Shournagh Lawn

Walking at a slow pace and taking in the surroundings , the team made their way towards the Devils Rock. This famous Togher landmark is the last remnant of the old Quarry , which in days gone by was known as The Heighties and now has been partially converted into a Grotto by the R.C. community. The rock itself went by the name of The Citadel. Children from near and far would travel down the old Summerstown Lane ( now partially preserved as the Deanrock Avenue ) and play in the disused Quarry which during World War II served as a Turf Depot , where the various nooks and crannies gouged out by former stonecutters served as holders. Believe it or not , in later years still , when the rains would fill these pockets , youngsters would swim in them! However , the owner burned off any remaining turf residue and returned the Quarry to pasture before finally selling the land off by Compulsory Purchase Order to the Corporation for local Authority Housing in the late 1960s.

Devil's Rock a.k.a. The Citadel 

now partially converted into R.C. Grotto

The team next approached the Glasheen River which serves as both Deanrock Townland's northern border and indeed that of Togher. First port of call was to the footbridge which was constructed in the 19th Century to enable access to St. Joseph's Church of Ease erected by the S.M.A. fathers. This beautiful stone arched structure is over 140 years old! Nowadays it is surmounted by iron railings ( installed in the early 1970s as a safety measure with access gates on both sides on Deanrock side ) as is the entire length of the river as it journeys through Deanrock. But it was the pipes which drew everybody's attention. Running at odd angles over the surface of the stream , they have in the past been used as playthings by local children who would shimmy across them , whilst still others would construct makeshift rafts out of plastic cutoffs and travel upriver as far as the Electricity Station located off the now Sarsfield Road! Some parts of the river are absolutely serene and peaceful , being home to Herons and other water fowl.

 Southside of Deanrock Bridge with 

famous pipes running at odd angles

Widescreen shot of opposite side of Deanrock Bridge

 Close up view of arched stone bridge 

constructed in the 19th Century

Beautiful view of the Glasheen River 

to rear of Clashduv Park

North facing flow of Glasheen River 

opposite side of Deanrock Bridge showing waterfowl

Moving onto the main Clashduv Road and the concrete bridge of the same name , the team stopped just long enough to cast an eye on this late 1960s structure , built at the same time as the new road to enable access across the river. The actual bridge itself  and its standing walls are slightly misaligned. Another pipe makes itself visible just under the square underpass. Alas , as in the case also of the older bridge upstream , heavy vegetation and litter detracts from the overall ambience.

 Inside view of concrete Bridge near Clashduv Road

 Close up of Clashduv Bridge showing pipes 

underneath amid extensive overgrowth

 Over shot showing concrete plinth and litter

Close up view from Clashduv Road showing 

misaligned plinth and build up of sediment 

beneath bridge

While not venturing into the Park itself , much thought was given to the " Bog " , both now in its current state and its more adventurous former life. Children of the early 1970s will remember it as a wonderland of fun and games , splashing around in the cobbled banks of the sluice which ran in a V shape from the Glasheen River from roughly where the Clashduv Bridge is now to the centre of the land. Much of the Bog was marshy and heavy with vegetation and tree lined in a haphazard fashion before being used unceremoniously by the Corporation as an infill building materials dump in the mid 1970s. In the late 19th Century and early 20th century , it was the site of an outdoor skating rink , where the owner , a Mr. French , who resided in the extinct Clashduv House ( now site of Lidl and the old Five Star ) would regularly dam off the Glasheen River and flood the bog during Winter to create an ad hoc skating arena , where the City's Upper Classes would pay for the privilege of engaging in sporting activities. Tar barrels would be lit at night and a band would play incidental music while finger food would be served to the participants! It should be stated that the ordinary locals would use the Lough as their place to indulge in the same albeit free gratis.

Panoramic view of " The Mountain " 

near Hazel Road

Last stop on the tour of the Bog was at another famous limestone outcrop. Located in front of the Hazel Road Estate and fronting onto the Clashduv Road , this bears the rather grandiose title of " The Mountain ". Another playground and climbing apparatus for children of the 1970s , it once hugged the bungalow of Hosfords and was only accessible through " Hozzies Lane " form the main Togher Road up to the late 1960s , when the old Stone wall which hid it and the Big House and Dairy Farm , were bulldozed out of existence. It should be noted that the wall which fronted onto Togher Road began up by Ardmanning House and terminated by the old N.B.A. site.The team then promptly set off for Lehenagh where some surprises were waiting for them!

Pilgrims return to " The Mountain "

The Mountain as viewed from Clashduv Road

Continued in Part 02 ...