Blog Visit to Togher National School - 20th March 2017

Back in the summer of 2013 , the Blog met with the Principals of both National Schools in Togher with a view to planning a local history talk with the pupils. However due to work constraints and ongoing fieldwork research the project had to be cancelled. However , acting on a direct request from the new Principal of Togher Boys National School - Mr. Keiran Kelly and liaising with teacher Mr. Olan Murray and School Secretary Ms. Ethna Murphy , a date and time was set. The assembly hall would be used as the meeting place and the audience would be made up of the 5th and 6th Classes of both Boys and Girls Schools. So it was on the morning of March 20th Monday at 11 O'Clock that the Togher Historical Assoc. would give its presentation to 120 school children plus Teachers which would consist of two parts : Billy O'Brien gave the first talk on an introduction to local history whilst Special Guest Speaker - Shirley Kelleher would give a talk on Volunteer Joe Murphy who died on hunger strike back in 1920.

Preparing selection of photographs for display boards

Classes assembling prior to Talks

The first talk with its premise as a brief introduction to local history was made up of 3 distinct parts : Geology of Togher and its relation to the local landscape ; inhabitants of Togher down through the ages and finally a nod to one of Togher's finest - David Allen. The entire event was videoed as can be seen in the video player below. The talk concluded with a slide of an old poem written about Togher School , author unknown , possibly at the turn of the 20th Century. The children broke into an impromptu reading of the script which was surprising but enjoyable to see and hear.

Teacher Mr. Olan Murray , Shirley Kelleher , 

Kathleen O'Keeffe & Billy O'Brien ( note Visitors Pendants )

Billy O'Brien prior to First talk on local history

Background view of Assembly - Togher N.S.

Poem which resulted in impromptu recitation

During the interim , the Blog played a short video slideshow of Togher landmarks showing the old and modern perspective on certain locations. Children were also free to view the stands composed of rare and early photographs and aerial maps of Togher. Ultimately it was felt that the mission of awakening interest in local history in all its forms was achieved. It was necessary to cherry pick certain historical events to paint a broad canvas while at the same time being slightly entertaining.

Students viewing historical photographs

Display board Number 01

Display boards Numbers 02 & 03

Shirley Kelleher began her talk after the short interlude and immediately captivated her audience receiving a tremendous feedback from all in attendance. Many were certainly interested in her Great Uncles escapades and sad demise. It was felt overall that children had gained a new knowledge of a forgotten Togher hero. It behoves the Blog to mention that Shirley was a classmate of a Grand Daughter of Terence McSwiney!

Guest Speaker - Shirley Kelleher - Talk on Volunteer 

and Hunger Striker Joe Murphy

Enthusiastic audience which kept the speaker busy

A window of knowledge was opened in Togher!

The Togher Historical Assoc. & Blog would like to thank most sincerely the Staff and Students of Togher National Schools for their brilliant assistance and interest in the talks. Special thanks are extended to the Principal Mr. Keiran Kelly for his kind invitation and to Ms. Ethna Murphy and Mr. Olan Murray for their help and enthusiasm and for making the group very welcome. The Blog would also like to thank the school Caretaker - Mr. Pat O'Connell for his work in setting up the displays and equipment. It is very much hoped that the Togher Historical Assoc. can make a return visit at some future time.

Blog visit to Togher National Schools
Click on video window to play