First view of Liberty Stream
at bottom of Fernwood Close
Stream as it emerges through concrete pipe
at bottom of Fernwood Close
First port of call was a visit to a section of the Liberty Stream not studied before which flows past Fernwood. The approach to the stream at the bottom of Fernwood Close was completely screened off by trees and foliage but access could be gained to take a closer look at the course of the waterway as it emerged from a concrete pipe on its way to Southern Fruit where it again disappears inside a pipe to emerge triumphant at Togher Cross.
Right of bridge showing pipe and grill
Well worn trackway along embankment
The team journeyed down to the right of the bridge which acts as a route into the Estate and moved on down by a dirt track to physically walk along its shores as far as the old Cork Bandon railway embankment.The sights which greeted the team were peaceful and tranquil. The stream winds its way in an almost serpentine manner as far back as the giant tunnel which ferries the water underneath the site of the original railway bridge now sadly gone.
Eamonn Pearse navigating stream
with fields of Philippine House to the right
Vista of the haunting beauty of the Liberty Stream
Twisting and winding route in reverse
Here the scale of the embankment manifests itself quite clearly with a plunge pool at the mouth of the culvert being in excess of four feet. The team retraced their steps back to the start of their investigation whilst photographing the beautiful scenery before pausing by a storm grill in situ at the site of the bridge culvert.
First sight of culvert pipe at end of bend
Close up view through culvert pipe
to opposite side of embankment
Photo depicting height of embankment
Photo showing scale of plunge pool
Return journey along shallow flow
Memorizing scenery at every turn
Final leg of stream through interlocked trees
Storm grill and pipe at journey's end
While in the vicinity , it was decided to have a rear look at the new structures which have now replaced the former Feirm Bawn house. Although named in honour of the now erased iconic building , it was felt that it should have been spared the wrecking ball. That segment of the Fieldwork trip concluded with a walk through the old orchard grounds of the original farmland which at one time would have extended down as far as the Liberty Stream. This serene location is home to many beautiful trees including a weeping willow which somehow set the tone for the emotions expressed by the group.
Feirm Bawn in its 21st century guise
Original farmland of Feirm Bawn
Next port of call was a quick walk up Lehenaghmore Hill to witness one of several new road signs erected over the past few weeks by the Tidy Towns committee to name-check Togher. Sited just by the former Southern Fruit warehouse , it makes a welcome addition to the street signage and furniture gradually and quite rightfully imposing itself on the area. The group departed but not before something extraordinary was noticed by Eamonn Pearse. To the right of the remaining section of the original Lehenaghmore House boundary wall is what appears to be a remnant of a concrete platform which would have supported a water pump.
Billy O'Brien by new road sign
outside Southern Fruit on Lehenaghmore Hill
New road sign leading to Togher Cross
Old water pump platform outside entrance
to Palmbury Estate ( former Lehenaghmore House )
The group next made its way along the main Togher Road to take in a passing glimpse of Ardan Mhuire - a house with a long association with Togher history. Next up was a long overdue stroll along Mannings Lane aka Barrs Lane ( Deanrock Cottages ). Here a photo opportunity presented itself in the form of Harley Wood Estate and the tasteful way in which the developers built the adjacent wall around an old strand of timber rather than the usual practice of felling.
just before Greenwood Estate
Of course the main attraction on this ancient entrance to the old Quarry in Deanrock was the famous St. FinBarrs G.A.A. Club grounds. Unfortunately access to the playing fields was closed off but the team took a photographic record of their brief stay.
The team next made its way up the former Hangdog Road of old , the now Tramore Road ( Togher ). Along the way , they paused at the Post Office , which originally was sited on the bend of Togher Road where the Dental Clinic is now situated. Reference was made to the beautifully crafted bollards embossed with the Cork coat of arms which peppered the footpaths. A momentary stop at Woodlawn and then onto the site of Togher's newest kid on the block , the Sheridan Park.
It was decided on a whim to pay an historic call to Scoil Stiofain Naofa which is now an Adult education facility. Despite being inside the Boundaries of Ballyphehane , it held in the recent past an extremely strong connection with Togher , with the bulk of its students emanating from that region. Luck was on the side of the group as they found the rear gate on Tramore Road to be open. A quick walk through the grounds followed with a fortuitous opportunity to gain access to the front hallway entrance of the actual school. However , the corridor was cordoned off which prevented any further investigation of the premises. A return visit is much anticipated in the near future to capture more memories. However , the group were excited to discover that the old Gym Building was open and stepped back in time to take a few images for posterity. Thus ended that particular field trip , which for the first time incorporated an area outside of Togher's borders.
