Monday, June 25, 2018

26th Fieldwork Trip - 16th June 2018 - Chetwynd , Doughcloyne & Lehenaghmore

On Saturday afternoon on June 6th 2018 , the Togher Historical Association undertook its 26th Fieldwork Trip to date. The plan was to visit some of Togher's eateries and also visit some of her more iconic locations. First stop was to the site of the former Chetwynd House off Meagher's Lane. Acting on information from the Togher Facebook page concerning its demolition , the group decided to investigate the location. Sadly what greeted them was proof positive that the centuries old structure was indeed now gone , in its place a heap of rubble to make way for a garden extension. This coupled with the former Phillipine House off Doughcloyne Hill saw two of Togher's oldest buildings erased forever within months of each other.


 Initial view of demolished Chetwynd House


 Outbuildings which formed courtyard with House


 Remains of Chetwynd House showing new build


Outbuilding at end of Meagher's Lane


Site of former Chetwynd House , Meaghers Lane


Next stop for the group was the site of the former Phillipine House now completely upgraded to the Fellowship House complex which is devoted to assisting those suffering with addiction. A brand new metal gate with the " Fellowship House " title cut into its frame guards the way to the site. Aside from some ancillary buildings constructed by AnCO in 1985 , everything else is newly constructed including an exact replica of the old Phillipine House. The old orchard walls have been pared back and its grounds excavated to house several buildings. This was a unique opportunity to photograph the grounds while still unoccupied.


Newly landscaped and tarmacced 
entrance lane to Fellowship House


New titular entrance gates to Fellowship House


 Replica build of Phillipine House


 Additional structure with titular signage on paneled facia


Angled view of new Phillipine House


 New ancillary buildings in old Orchard grounds


Front view of replica of iconic building


Upgraded Fellowship House off Doughcloyne Hill 


The group next headed for Applegreen on Togher Road to hand deliver a copy of the original placue for the old cottage school which was once sited at that location and which was damaged during construction of the garage. The proprietors of Applegreen are to shortly commission a replacement. Below can be seen an archive photograph of the original placue which hopefully will be reinstated soon.



Photograph of old cottage school placue



The group next made their to the gully by the Airport where the Glenmore River rises. The reason was to gauge the practicalities of attempting a climb down its ravine to video the area in question. Unfortunately it was deemed impossible given the dangerous overgrowth and the cordoning off of the location due to a private build which is in progress to its immediate left which will include a house , driveway and water treatment plant. It is planned to hopefully negotiate with the new owners in the future for a possible trip into the gully. A few of the blocks making up the hidden bridge under which the Glenmore River flows could be seen to have been dislodged. While there , a fun blast from the past presented itself in the form of a long trailing plant known to many Togher children as " stickybacks ". The name derived from the plants ability to quite literally stick to garments. The actual name of the plant is Cleaver and it is both a medicinal herb and an edible food used in salads.



 Stone Bridge all but hidden by overgrowth


 View of river concealed by heavy foliage


 Alternate view of bridge showing dislodged stones


Cleavers or Stickybacks growing near gully


Billy O'Brien posing with Stickybacks


The group next made its way to Stalks & Stems florist and Mad Hatters Cafe on Tramore Road but regrettably found the shop to be closing trade for the day. It is hoped to make a return visit again at an earlier time. It was decided to stop off for coffee at the Viaduct Bar and take in the ambience which included the famous viaduct of the same name and the wonderful Glasheen River which flows alongside.



Chetwynd Viaduct as seen from Viaduct Bar


Glasheen River showing culvert and rubble banks


Chetwynd Viaduct as seen from the Glasheen River


Frontal signage of Viaduct Bar & Restaurant


Scenic beer garden outside Viaduct Bar



Glasheen River near Viaduct Bar/Chetwynd Viaduct


The Fieldwork Trip concluded with a brief look at the now cleared site of the former Allan home on Doughcloyne Hill before viewing one of Togher's newest signs erected by Tidy Towns in the grounds of the Funeral Home on Sarsfield Road. Previously the sign had been removed but has since been reinstated and adds to the beautiful ambience of Togher.


Cleared site of former Allan House


Togher Tidy Towns sign outside Funeral Home

No comments: