Start of Field Trip from Togher Cross
The Laurels , Lehenaghmore Hill , Togher
Looking back at West & East Avenue
from across the road near The Laurels
Memorial to Bowling Player erected at junction
of Lehenaghmore Hill and Matthews Hill
Looking back at the junction
of Lehenaghmore Hill and Matthews Hill
Signpost to Lehenaghmore Park
The entrance to the new Lehenaghmore Park now sports one of the many Welcome To Togher signs dotted around the district in strategic locations. The first sight to greet the weary travelers were two notices displaying opening times. Just ahead was an impromptu gravel car park which it is thought will be tarmacadam-ed in the near future , funds permitting. Unfortunately the group was too late to witness an actual game between City Bounds and Cathedral Credit with the teams heading off the pitch towards the dressing rooms. A chance presented itself to view the 2 pitches in their entirety and the surrounding walkway with its exercise machinery painted in bright yellow. The far pitch also has a railing which it is presumed is a makeshift stand for fans. It also affords a fantastic view of the dug outs and the split level layout of the playing fields.
A welcome rest at the top of the hill
Arrival at the old Green Patch of Lehenaghmore
Notices just inside the gates of Lehenaghmore Park
Gravel Car Park area before soccer pitches
Overview of 2 soccer pitches with Groundskeeper
View of second pitch with concrete dugouts
Railing above far pitch and walkway
Exercise machinery above soccer pitches
Video overview of Lehenaghmore Park , Togher taken by Eamonn Pearse
The group departed the newest addition to Togher's sporting legacy and headed back down towards Matthews Hill. Along the way the group photographed the beautiful metal namesigns of the various Estates they passed , including Laurel Brook , Matthew Hill and Brook Lane. It was refreshing to still be able to view relics of the 19th Century which included a workman's Cottage just before Manor Park and the original Lehenagh Beg railway bridge which once crossed the Cork Bandon line. The group then stopped by the Glenmore River which flows under Pouladuff Cross for a video shoot ( see below )of its stunning scenery. From there a brief rest on Pouladuff bridge which spans both the Tramore River and the South Ring Road before turning onto Tramore Road to check out Togher's newest addition to its housing stock , the private development of Sheridan Park which is well underway.
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Video of Glenmore River at its terminus at Pouladuff Cross taken by Billy O'Brien
from Pouladuff Bridge
from Pouladuff Bridge
The group then set off up Togher Road to rendezvous with local Deanrock Estate resident Dan O'Riordan at Clashduv Park. However a trip down memory lane was first deemed essential as the team traversed the site of the old N.B.A, flats and walked down the original concrete steps which once ran alongside them. From there a quick visit to Devils Rock to inspect some mysterious holes in the natural structure. It is not known whether they are organic or old drill holes perhaps made by pneumatic machinery in an attempt to break the rock. Next a flyby of the Deanrock footbridge to search for any sign of the original benchmark inscribed on the wall of the bridge by the Ordinance Survey in the 19th Century which was demolished in the early 1970s to be replaced by a safety fence. Although one mark presented itself , it is more probable that the benchmark was perhaps located further up on the now gone wall. The opportunity presented itself to shoot a test video of the stream with its famous metal pipes for viewers around the world to see for themselves once more. From there the team met up with Dan O'Riordan who accompanied them around the Park , pointing out various items of interest. One childhood memory revolved around the clubhouse located next to the Tennis Grounds. Dan told how as youngsters he and his friends would scale the wall and using their fingers in the window grill hoist themselves up onto the flat roof. Dan informed the group of a noticeable dip in the playing field which betrays its boggy past. By now the field trip was drawing to a close after walking over 13 thousand steps! It is envisaged by local Councillor Fergal Dennehy that the soil from the proposed new residential site planned for the former N.B.A. will be used to infill the drop in the playing field..
Footbridge which once bore an O.S. benchmark
Gated fence to right of Deanrock Footbridge
Gated fence to left of Deanrock Footbridge
Council yard before Deanrock Footbridge
Scene at Deanrock Footbridge , Glasheen River , Togher
( Test video by Billy O'Brien )
Tennis grounds at Clashduv Park
Old club house showing grilled windows
Playing field showing natural dip of boggy ground
Dan O'Riordan and Eamonn Pearse
Beautiful treescape near exit of Clashduv Park
Parting of the ways before the next fieldwork trip
Scene at Deanrock Footbridge , Glasheen River , Togher
( Test video by Billy O'Brien )
