S.M.A. Centre , Wilton
On Sunday 14th November 2021 at 3.00 p.m. the Togher Historical Association was invited to give a lecture on local history at the S.M.A. Centre in Wilton by Noel Welch. The main talk was given by Billy O'Brien and was a relaxed and casual affair. The audience was made up mostly of people from neighboring communities including Ballyphehane , Gurranabraher and Blackpool with representatives from Shandon , Blackpool and Marsh historical Societies. The purpose of the gathering was to introduce Togher's rich heritage to a diverse cross section of Cork City , both Southside and Northside. The whole affair served as the basis for a new Cork Southside Folklore Project as proposed by Noel Welch which would be in tandem with its Northside equivalent. It is hoped in time that other Southside based Societies and Associations dealing with local history from the Southside will come on board to share information and catalogue the rich heritage of the Southside of the City and nearby environs.
linked to laptop with presentation table
The afternoon was divided into 3 sections ; An introductory talk with slideshow and video , followed by an open floor Q&A and ending with a walk-through/talk-through of a photo filled blue-board plus photo albums for people to peruse at their leisure which was excellently handled by Kathleen O'Keeffe. It must be stated that the centre had excellent facilities with overhead projector onto a giant electronic screen and microphone if needed. The Lecture also saw the debut of Togher Historical Associations new Banner Stand ( see photo above ) which depicts all of its 15 Townlands.
Audience at S.M.A. lecture
The main talk was a whistle-stop snapshot of Togher history which began with an explanation of Togher's Townlands and a brief explanation of their meanings. It was mentioned that Togher has been inhabited for at least 2000 years with one of the few remaining Ring Forts in the area still intact. The Ring Fort was not only used to protect the residents but also to safeguard their cattle not only from raiders but also from Wolves which were so plentiful in Ireland at the time that the country was known as Wolfland ; the last wolf being killed in the 18th Century. It was stated that Togher was primarily made up of Dairy Farmers and Market Gardeners until compulsory Purchase of many acres of land in the 1960s to cater for local housing schemes which transformed Togher from an agricultural hinterland into a modern suburb. An honorable mention was made of Denis McCarthy who qualifies as Togher's last Market Gardener as he still tends to his families land on Togher Road. War of Independence local Heroes and Heroines were given special recognition ; John Joe Hegarty and his 2 Sisters - Mamie and Nan from The Laurels , Joe Murphy from Joe Murphy House both on Pouladuff Road and the Lane family from Togher Cross. Togher's boundary was briefly outlined.
The floor was then opened for a Question and Answer session which tested the Speakers knowledge. Local Togher D.J. Roy Cronin wondered if people remembered the Green Box which was once sited near Togher Girls N.S. and also mentioned that he runs his Radio show from his bedroom! Others queried the dumping of the bodies of the last British Soldiers to be killed on the eve of the ending of the War Of Independence in Ellis Quarry near Togher. Still another question was asked of The Lough and how it was formed. One Lady asked if The Plots were known to those present and recalls the Hegarty family from her youth and remarked that she lives near one of the Hegarty sisters today. All questions were answered satisfactorily and ultimately lead to related questions. All in all , a lively conversation was engaged in which catered to all who attended. Local Historian from Ballyphehane , Liam O'Higgin was complimentary of the presentation and recalled how he as a youth used to travel out to Togher for Soccer matches with his boots tied around his neck.
The event finished off with people viewing the photo display with Kathleen O'Keeffe answering all questions. Many photos were very rare and previously unseen and much appreciated by all present. Many one to one's were engaged in as people sought out more answers to their queries. Togher Historical Association then finished with a call out to all Historical groups in Cork City , both North and South to begin actively researching their districts and archiving their local history. It is hoped to present a more detailed talk in the new year based on the success of the pilot scheme. The Blog would like to thank Noel Welch and his Wife for their invaluable assistance and the loan of the Centre.
Sadly only a few of the people who attended were namechecked ; anybody else is kindly asked to submit their names if reading this article. Below are the names of just a few who attended. The Blog would like to sincerely thank everybody who turned up and hope to meet them again in the near future.
Noel Welch
Ann Cronin
Gerry McNamara
Dolores Welch
Roy Cronin
Mary McNamara
Teresa ???
Liam O'Higin
No comments:
Post a Comment