The Sarsfields of Doughcloyne - A History

Coat of Arms

Motto: " Virtue non Virtitur "

The Sarsfields have a pedigree in Togher which stretches back over 2 centuries and only ended as recently as 1947! They were unique in that at one time or another they lived in 3 big houses in the townland of Doughcloyne of which only one remains in its original state* ; Doughcloyne House , Philippine House and *Sarsfield House. The map below shows the 3 houses ( at that time all known by their townland name .i.e " Doughcloyne " rather confusingly ) in the early 19th Century when they dominated the landscape. Each house had its own private gardens and orchards with the remainder given over to farming and tenants. This article will focus on the last generation to hold sway over that part of Togher including their home , Sarsfield House now part of White Oaks housing estate.

 

Sarsfield House in modern times

Interior of Sarsfield House

Billy O'Brien T.H.A.

Stained glass replica of Sarsfields coat of arms

Close up view of stained glass window

 

 

Lodge near Togher Cross 1940s
 

The Sarsfields history in Ireland and indeed Cork is a long and convoluted one with the following a very distilled version to aid in understanding their lineage in Togher. The first of the Sarsfields traveled over from England with King Henry II in the late 12th Century in search of fortune. However the Togher connection didn't surface until 1712 when a dispossessed Dominick Sarsfield luckily married a Catherine Ronayne , niece of Anthony Ronayne owner of Doughcloyne. Of course this brought with it land and property which passed to the Sarsfields when Anthony died. The couples youngest son Edmond , became a Colonel in the Irish Brigade in France where he died unmarried ; their second son Thomas went on to become a Doctor - he died in 1790 but not before marrying a blood relative , Mary Ronayne thus ensuring the Sarsfield/Ronayne bloodline. The eldest son of Thomas and Mary was Dominick Ronayne Sarsfield who became a barrister and married Mary Bonwell , daughter of a banker , thus enlarging the coffers of the Sarsfield estate yet again. They would have 4  children , James . Dominick , Philip and their eldest , the infamous Thomas Sarsfield ( 1793 - 1865 ) , forever linked to the Great Famine of 1845 - 1852. He was the stuff of legend when as a member of the Board of Guardians often made trips to the workhouse in Cork City during the famine years. Tiring of the long commute by horse up the full length of Togher Road to reach his destination , he suggested that peasants be put to work building a connecting road between Togher Road and Pouladuff Road , thus enabling him a shorter journey to and fro. It was the practice at the time that workers were paid in Indian corn for their labors. However , when passing one day to inspect the progress of the new road , he saw men feeding dogs. This so angered him that he threatened to fire everybody unless they stopped feeding the animals when they were supposedly so destitute and hungry. The men not wanting the animals to go though hunger and pain instead hung them from nearby trees , thereby giving the new road a chilling name - Hangdog! This name would not be removed until 1960 when the Corporation by general consensus renamed it Tramore Road. In addition to this local tale , it was also well recorded in newspapers of the time , that Thomas Sarsfield as one of the members of the Togher relief committee , held the honor of being one of the worst in the Country , with a reputation for being mean and empty handed when it came to providing food for the hungry. Thankfully his descendants were much better in character!

Dominic R.P. Sarsfield
1828 - 1892

Mary De La Cour

 

 

His son Dominick Ronayne Patrick Sarsfield was more generous towards Togher people. He married Mary De La Cour and they had 3 sons Thomas ( 1862 - 1943 ) , James ( 1864 - 1941 ) , William ( 1868 - 1914 ) and 8 daughters , only 3 of whom married with the rest living as spinsters in the house ( now Sarsfield House - White Oaks ) until they passed. All 3 sons served in the military with William dying in the Battle of Ainse in France in 1914. He was survived by a son , Patrick , resident in Dublin who became a stockbroker and is important in the story of the Sarsfields or its actual ending as explained later in this article.Thomas and James would forever exonerate the bad name of the Sarsfields by siding with the I.R.A. during the War of Independence , providing a safe house and outbuildings  for the storage of arms and explosives. They also acted as cover for Cumann na mBan on trains traveling to Dublin to deliver messages and pistols. Their English accents were enough to deter any questioning by Soldiers or Police encountered on the trains , with Volunteers in their company acting as servants. They also allowed locals to hunt and collect wood on their lands. Thomas , who was known as Capt. Sarsfield in Togher , like his brother James and most of his sisters never married. By the mid 1940s , all had died and the house was empty with the Sarsfield presence ending forever. It was Williams son , Patrick in Dublin , who acted as agent for his family , selling all property and land to the S.M.A. in 1947. 

 1911 Census

 

Major William Sarsfield
Died 1914 World War I
 

Capt. Thomas Sarsfield 1939

Major James Sarsfield 1939

The S.M.A. promptly renamed it St. Xavier's University Hall as a lodgings for it's Nigerian Priests who had come over to learn English. Thankfully whilst in Togher , they interacted with the local community and took many rare photos of the people and the area which are invaluable from a social and historical viewpoint. However when the African Missions was discontinued , the house fell into disrepair and was for a time in the 1970s used as hostel for members of the Protestant/Catholic community from Northern Ireland during the Troubles under the auspices of the Fellowship group. This group eventually moved to the older Phillipine House which even today is known as Fellowship House having recently undergone a complete refurbishment. Today the old Sarsfield House is hired out as offices and is nestled in White Oaks estate.It should be noted that the original lodge leading to Sarsfield House is still intact and was Togher's first school having being built in 1820. The Sarsfields have a long legacy with the history of Schools in Togher , having also donated land for the building of a National School in 1891 , the present day Community Centre , with adjoining land being given free of charge as a playground. Their name continues to be honoured with a new section of road laid down in the 1980s known as Sarsfield Road with the modern flyover near the Glasheen River also bearing the title.

19th Century map showing Doughcloyne House

1940s OSi map showing newly renamed

St.Xavier's University Hall

Modern day aerial view of Sarsfield House
( Centre Left )

*Research Acknowledgments :

Richard Henchion
Tom O'Keeffe
W.A. Hill ( old portraits / photo of Major Stopford )

Order of Malta - Togher - 1975 ~ 2000

 

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta or Order of Malta was founded in 1048 and first came to Ireland in 1171 following hot on the heels of the Norman Invasion of 1169. They were originally militant Knights who not only cared for the afflicted but engaged in skirmishes as well! It is quite possible that land south of Cork City was gifted to them as evidenced by the Townland of Spittal-Lands - which would refer to an area used for treating the sick ( see map below ).  However , in more modern times they have relinquished that role and cater exclusively for the sick and elderly as well as providing an ambulance service.

Spittal-Lands in Cork City

The Order of Malta first appeared in Cork City in 1966 and the Coughlans of Greenwood Estate were one of the first to join. It was in 1975 that they decided to start a sub-branch in Togher with all five of their children enrolling. Many volunteers joined up , with 10 - 16 years , both boys and girls starting off as Cadets with those older joining up as Adult members. Soon an old ambulance was purchased by the group and was paid for by public donations from wealthy benefactors including the Crosby's owners of The Echo and parked to the rear of Togher Church. It was used primarily to ferry elderly patients to hospital appointments and acted as a first responder in the event of an emergency. Norma remembers that in time it became a taxi for the elderly bringing them to the Ardmanning for outings and returning them home safely again. The group conducted first aid courses and enrolled many new Cadets to cover the various events , such as G.A.A. matches and bike races over at Vernonmount. As they were uniformed and had a military legacy , they enlisted the help of Army Drill Instructors from Collins Barracks to teach them foot drill. Local Togher man , Sgt. Noel Carey took on the work of perfecting their drill and they would go on to win the 1984 All Ireland Foot Drill competition ( see photo below ). Nowadays Noel Carey is involved with Togher Men's Shed. 1990 saw the Togher branch win the Munster Regional competition for their expertise in first aid and ambulance duties. Sadly due to more modern pursuits and lack of volunteers with others retiring , the Togher branch was eventually wound down in the early 2000s. Norma however is still an active member and works in the Carrigaline branch these days. In 2020 the Echo paid tribute to her 50 plus years in the organisation ( see below ). Many local Togher boys and girls have fond memories of being part of the Order of Malta and it is thanks to Norma and her late husband Bernard that the group existed in Togher throughout the 1970s , 1980s and 1990s. 

Norma Coughlan
Order of Malta

2020

Order of Malta - Togher
1983

 

 

Order of Malta - Togher
1983

Ann Alan presenting bouquet to Lady Mayoress
with Lord Mayor 1983

after receiving first aid certificate

 

Order of Malta - Togher
1984 All Ireland Foot Drill Winners

Front: L-R - Cadet Unit Leader Cpl M.Radford  , Unit Chaplain Capt. George Murphy  , Regional Director Mr. P.B. Pearson ( Knight of Malta ) , Sgt. Noel Carey 4th Bn Collins Bks Drill Instructor , Capt Bernard Coughlan ( Cadet Liason Officer )

Middle: L-R - Ruth Coughlan , Marguerite Coakley , Deirdre McGurty , Gillian McCoy , Olivia O'Mahony , Niamh McGurty , Ian Coughlan.

Back: L-R - Deirdre Motherway , Naomi Coughlan , Avril Anthony , Michelle Lowther , Joanne Barry , Ruth Anthony.

Order of Malta - Togher
1985

 

 

Munster Regional Competition Winners 1990

Joan & Jacinta Hourihan , Ruth Coughlan , Joan Galvin , Michelle Lowther

 

Munster Regional Competition Winners 1990

Ruth Coughlan , Joan Galvin , Joan Hourihan , Jacinta Hourihan

Munster Regional Competition Winners 1990
Ruth Coughlan & Jacinta Hourihan

 

 

Order of Malta - Togher
1991
 

Tribute to Norma Coughlan

Echo October 21st 2020

Tribute

...Cont'd

The Laurels - Visit by Togher Historical Association

Maurice Dineen & Kathleen O'Keeffe

Togher Historical Association

 

On October 21st 2023 , Togher Historical Association paid a visit to The Laurels on Pouladuff Road. Courtesy of the kind invitation of Maurice Dineen , acting as Caretaker for the house during production of an upcoming film based on the lives of the Hegarty siblings and their involvement in the War of Independence. The group were warmly received and given a full and extensive tour of the house. Maurice and company have cleaned up the house and carried out some repairs along with filling each room with authentic 1920s artifacts and memorabilia. The living room is peppered with old photographs of the Hegarty siblings and sports a piano with the rather appropriate music sheet displaying " A Nation Once Again ". Of note is the original tiled flooring which once graced the feet of Tomas McCurtain , Terence McSweeney and Tom Barry along with the pantheon of revolutionary figures who once stayed at the house , either in its capacity as a H.Q. or as a safe house for those on the run. As well as taking photographs , a video was shot of the house on both floors to give the full experience of this fabled structure.

 

The Laurels October 2023

Alternate view of The Laurels

Side alley of The Laurels

Billy O'Brien & Kathleen O'Keeffe
Togher Historical Association

 

 Old shop ledger

1967 ledger & coinage

Video of interior of The Laurels

 

Billy O'Brien & Kathleen O'Keeffe
Living Room

 

 

Kitchen

 

Kitchen

Small bedroom for baby
( wall on right was originally windowed before extension )

Bedroom

Master Bedroom

 

Bedroom to rear of house

Memories of Togher - 1940s ~ 1970s - Part 02/04 - Togher Road

The second of a 4-part article ( Part 1 here ) looking back at Togher from the 1940s to the 1970s from the perspective of the Hegarty family , as told by Anne O'Driscoll ( nee Hegarty ). This article looks back at the houses of the 1940s and onward dealing with some of the people who dwelt there and highlighting those which thankfully still remain , hidden in plain sight , nestled among the new housing schemes which sprang up in the 1960s. Houses which can still be viewed today are marked with an asterisk *. Those now demolished will be marked in red text. The journey will start at the beginning of Togher Road and alternate left and right of the road in a numbered sequence as shown below.

Kathleen O'Keeffe ( Togher Historical Association )
& Anne O'Driscoll

1 - Harris/Hanley*

This 2 storey house was once the home of the Harris' , a brother and sister who lived alone. Nuala Harris went to live in Greenwood Estate. Today it is owned by the Hanley's who also own the garage on opposite side of road. Note that the side of their house is unique in the area in that it hosts a billboard. The house is currently unoccupied.

Harris/Hanley

 

2- Buckley*

This was the home of the Buckley's and their daughter Jane , an only child. She now lives in the bungalows leading into Sycamore Place. The house is currently unoccupied.

Buckley

3 - A collection of pre 1950s houses consisting of the following located between old Buckley bungalow and entrance to Boston Park.

Jackson ( Peter )*

Ambrose*

Twomey house*

This was originally a cottage but was altered to become a 2 storey house ; situated to the left of the entrance to Boston Park

Twomey house on corner

The following houses are located after entrance to Boston Park  ( on left side of Togher Road )

4 - Cunningham*

Situated at the right corner of Boston Park. The left house of this semi-detached is the home of the Cunningham's. Ger Cunningham is well known for playing for the Barrs.

5 - Russell*

Home of the Russell's , Ger Cunningham's Grandfather married one of the daughters back in the 1920s. Originally a market garden which extended all way back to Hegarty's market Garden and to the right where the present day garage is. They also owned the land which Boston Park is now built on. Anne remembers Boston Park being built. Her father put up a wicket gate and the guards would travel through it on their bikes for breakfast , dinner and tea. Anne joked that the guards would often stop the siblings and ask their names to which they replied , " ye know our father! "

Cunningham & Russell houses

6 - two semi-detached bungalows*

Home of the Murphy's ( left ) and Crowley's ( right ) , which today is a doctor's surgery , these two buildings being located at the entrance to Ardmanning Avenue. Austin Crowley lived there with his Mother and had a hire business there.

Murphys & Crowleys

The journey now moves across the road to the site of the present day Shopping Centre.

7 -Minnie's Orchard

Minnie Curtin lived here with her 2 sisters all of whom had passed by the late 1950s. Her cottage was located to the rear of the old Garda Station. All that remains are the high stone walls to the right of Supervalu and to its rear. Hanley's garage is now situated on the site. Minnie had a driveway from Togher Road to her house and all her walls were hand built.

8 - Garda Station/Old R.I.C Barracks

This fronted onto the Togher Road and was still present in 1970 with the new Togher Shopping Centre to its rear. Today the car park occupies its location since demolition in 1971. One notable character from that period was a Guard known as Roundy Lynch.

9- Ardmanning House

Formally occupied by the Caughlins who also owned all the land on which Earlwood Estate is now located which was once made up of orchards all the way back to Bolloway Lane ( now Hillside Road ). Anne recalls how her father used to bring his horse across to the Caughlins as they kept a small forge on their land. They also had a milking shed. She remembers Dan Caughlin milking his cows and they sneaking some of his apples in their clothes even though they had their own orchard! Ardmanning house of course later became a pub and was eventually demolished in 2013.

Former location of Minnies Orchard , Garda Stn

& Ardmanning House

The journey now resumes across the road on the brow of Ardmanning Hill.

10 - Kerr's*

Left semi-detached house. The Kerr's originally owned a small dairy farm.

11 - O'Driscoll's*

Originally the home of Garda O'Driscoll. His wife was Head Mistress of a model school across from City Hall. Both families lived there in the 1950s. It is thought that new families now reside there , the private dwellings having been sold on.

Kerr's  & O'Driscolls