Billy O'Brien at The Laurels
June 2016
In June 2016 , Togher Historical Association paid a brief visit to
The Laurels on Pouladuff Road. A decade later and what transpired in the
interim was the stuff of dreams! Interviews with several family members ,
articles on the blog , plays , songs , book , movie , memorial park and
worldwide media attention followed. To have played a small part in the
fantastic events which unfolded was so rewarding for the Association and
the blog. This article rounds things off nicely 10 years later with the official
unveiling of a placue on The Laurels to honour the members of the
Hegarty family who fought so gallantly for Irish freedom over a hundred years ago.
June 2026
Previous to arriving at The Laurels to take part in the unveiling , it was decided to pay a visit to Frenche's Quay and highlight the Togher connection. Fennell's garage ( Nan Hegarty ) and Forde's funeral home ( Mamie Hegarty ) had their genesis in 1920s Pouladuff Road. Members of Nan's family and Mamie's family run both establishments and Keyser's Hill leads up to Mamies old home off Barracks Street. The region is wrapped around ancient history in the form of Elizabeth Fort. Notice was taken along the way of road signs pointing the way to Togher right out to The Laurels ( John Joe Hegarty ) to complete the pilgrimage.
opposite St. Finbarre's cathedral
On Sunday 14th June 2026 at 1.00 p.m. , the official unveiling of a placue at The Laurels on Pouladuff Road in honour of the Hegarty family took place. Following speeches by Jim Hegarty and Lord Mayor , Fergal Dennehy , the placue was revealed for all to see. Thanks were given to the current owners of the property , the O'Sullivans for permission to erect the oval shaped stone placue ( see below ) commemorating all of Cork No.1 Brigade and Cumann na mBan ; specifically H Company and Lehenagh Branch of Cumann na mBan.
In attendance were all branches of the family , including Hegarty's , Forde's and Fennells. Also present were many friends and people from various local interest groups , including Billy O'Brien representing the Togher Historical Association , Fergal O'Connor of Togher Tidy Towns and Kieran O'Connell of the Ballyphehane 1916 Committee. Also present were Shirley Kelleher , grandniece of Joe Murphy and John Murphy , composer of " The Boy From Pouladuff " ( Joe Murphy ) and " The Hegartys of The Laurels " ( Hegarty family ).
unveiling the placue
Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy
Author Jim Hegarty
& Paul O'Neill ( Ann Sisk's husband )
Togher Historical Association touched base with Ann O'Driscoll ( nee Hegarty ) who pointed out the extent of the old market garden which was bounded by the second lightpole on the left and the end of the semi detached houses on the right. It was revealed that family members seldom used the front door instead entering and exiting by the side yard door. Also present was Paul O'Neill , husband of the late Ann Sisk , cousin of the Hegarty family. The entire project has proven to be very fruitful over the last decade and it is felt that the placue will stand as a lasting legacy to one of Togher's finest families who quite rightly have been so honoured. Billy O'Brien also provided the lyrics to a new song " The Pride of Togher " with vocals and music by Mureka Ai to honour the occasion which name-checks John Joe Hegarty and Joe Murphy and indeed all of H Company and Lehenagh Cumann na mBan.
of Market Garden
northern extent of Market Garden
on boarded wall placue
Song : " The Pride of Togher "
Lyrics : Billy O'Brien ' Music/Vocals ; Mureka Ai
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