Phillipine House - Then & Now - 2013 - 2017

Phillipine House was originally the seat of the Ronaynes who built it in 1639 , a whole decade before the Cromwellian Invasion of Ireland. However through marriage , it passed into the hands of the Sarsfields in 1798. In the 1940s , the Sarsfields sold off all their lands and estates to the S.M.A. organisation ( as a home for African trainee Priests and renamed Phillipine House ) and emigrated to Wales. During the 1990s , it was used by the Between Organisation as a respite holiday camp for teenagers from N.Ireland. The old enclosed Orchard was converted into a playground complete with pond. Soon after it was bequeathed to the Fellowship group who specialize in addiction treatment. Plans are now actively in place to demolish the entire site and build anew. The house has had many names throughout its 380 year existence but sadly will be just a memory.

Billy O'Brien outside entrance to Orchard in Phillipine 

House during 14th Fieldwork Trip April 16th 2015

This blog post features two videos shot four years apart - between 2013 and 2017. They highlight how just in a mere few days , nearly 4 Centuries of history can be wiped out! The first video below was shot by Finbarr Cassidy of Fellowship House in 2013 with stills by Eamonn Pearse. The scenic views and serene location were perfectly captured for posterity and hearken back to a time when children played on its grounds with contentment and in a safe secluded environment.

Video of Phillipine House and grounds 2013

In stark contrast , the second video shot by Eamonn Pearse in April 2017 shows the demolition works in progress , with much of the grounds cleared and the demolition of Phillipine House imminent. A sad end to a long history and legacy distinctly Togher. Thankfully it has now been documented and archived for future study by local historians.

Eamonn Pearse visit to Phillipine House April 2017
during demolition works