On Friday 5th April 2019 the Togher Historical Association were invited to the official reopening of the Fellowship House campus off Doughcloyne Hill in Togher. The culmination of two years of extensive work has resulted in a beautiful facility which caters for addiction recovery and support. Finbarr Cassidy who was instrumental in the planning and evolution of the project and who also gave sterling support to the organisation since its foundation in 1989 sadly passed away recently. He was mentioned by all present for his outstanding contribution in this field.
Finbarr Cassidy R.I.P.
Manager Fellowship House
To mark the 30th Anniversary since its founding , the staff and invited guests performed a tree planting ceremony in the grounds near the replica Phillipine House , the original which regretfully had to be demolished due to age and decay. John Dennehy of Westside Estate was at hand to partake in the event with Eamonn Pearse videoing the whole affair which is available below.
Management & Dignatories pose with placue
Newly rebuilt Fellowship House Togher
Beautifully planted grounds inside former orchard
Staff & Management prepare for tree planting ceremony
Tree Planting Ceremony Fellowship House Togher
Simon Coveney gave the opening address inside the new build in which he spoke about various social issues which impacted on those suffering from addiction issues. Ciaran O'Driscoll , staff member , videod the entire speech , which is available for viewing below.
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.
On Saturday June 9th 2018 , Eamonn Pearse and Eamonn Twomey of the Togher Historical Association undertook the 25th Fieldwork Trip to date , by visiting the new Fellowship House complex at Doughcloyne Hill. The entire site had been upgraded to a high standard with the former Phillipine House being rebuilt as an exact replica. The old enclosed orchard had been completely leveled with the front wall removed and partially re-stoned. The site also boasted a new gateway entrance which added to the overall ambience. Eamonn Pearse photographed key areas within the location and also videod the various new builds.
Gateway with new signage at entrance
New builds with titular signage above wooden facia
Replica of old Phillipine House with extensions
Close up of new Phillipine House with arched doorway
Ancillary offices and outbuildings
Rear view of new Phillipine House from courtyard
Alternate view of new Phillipine House
Various outbuildings and courtyard
Close up view of new builds
Interior view of new builds inside orchard grounds
View of side exit from old orchard
Video of new Fellowship House site
Whilst the Fieldwork Trip was mostly concerned with the new Fellowship House complex , a quick visit was also made to the Deanrock site on Togher Road to view the progress of the newly named Shournagh Grove. It is envisaged that work will now be proceeding ahead in the very near future to complete Togher's newest estate.
Panoramic view of Deanrock site showing work in progress
