Between late February and early March 2018 , two major weather systems - the Beast From The East and Storm Emma , which traveled up from the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France , collided and produced unprecedented snowfall on Togher which lasted over 3 days. During this period , the community submitted videos and photos to the Togher Historical Association facebook page , a selection of which are reproduced on this Blog post for posterity. Where possible names of contributors ( generally in brackets under photos ) and those in photographs have been included with locations in bold. The selections include Drone images , Videos and Photographs.
Richard Coleman of Aperture Photography has kindly submitted two drone still images. The image above shows Togher Overpass bridge and locale. The image below shows that section of Togher Road from Deanrock Public House looking back towards Togher Cross.
The following 3 videos give a brief example of the snow conditions in Togher. The first video shows the Morey family outing up the hills of Lehenaghmore to take advantage of the weather for some snowboarding fun. Edward Walsh Road was captured by Anna Marie O'Shea from her home. Togher Cross was paid a visit by Eamonn Pearse of the Togher Historical Association
Lehenaghmore ( Michael Ring )
Lehenaghmore ( Christine Morey )
Edward Walsh Road ( Anna Marie O'Shea )
Togher Cross ( Eamonn Pearse )
PHOTOGRAPHS
The following selection of photographs were submitted by residents from many parts of Togher and where possible all persons included in photographs have been named with contributors acknowledged in brackets. Each photograph is captioned with its location which follows a North South axis as the crow flies from Elm Road to Spur Hill.
Elm Road : Kyle O'Connor Fiona Gibson Reece Daly Sabz Rawley Karen Ellard Nathalie O'Sullivan Sarah Gibson with Mrs. Noreen Rawley standing by doorway of house ( Stella Rawley )
Hazel Road
( Teresa Collins )
Edward Walsh Road ( Owen McGreevey )
Clashduv Park ( Thomas Moloney )
Clashduv Park , Deanrock
( Ray Horgan )
Clashduv Road ( Thomas Moloney )
Edward Walsh Road ( Owen McGreevy )
Deanrock Site ( David Carroll )
Credit Union
( Sharon Ní Choileáin )
Woodlawn , Tramore Road
( Keiran O' Connell )
Rock Bingo ( Eamonn Pearse )
Community Centre
( Eamonn Pearse )
Coffeys Field walk ( Julie Doyle )
Tramore River
( Trevor McCarthy )
Togher Church
( Avril Sreenan )
Dental Lodge
( Eamonn Pearse )
Sandown Crest ( Sharon Ní Choileáin )
Deputy Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy
official opening of Igloo - Sarsfield Rd.
City Bounds pub , Lehenaghmore Hil ( Avril Sreenan )
In March 2018 the Togher Historical Association decided to conduct a social experiment in lieu of the debacle that was the Wilton Saga. Even though the actual address of an entire group of Estates on Sarsfield Road could be fully challenged with evidence , there remained one bridge to cross. So it was decided to send a letter through the Postal system using Togher as the district instead of the often used Wilton title to an address in one of the disputed Estates - Elm Park. The photos below show the letter which simply read " Hello Togher! " prior to delivery and actual receipt of same showing Envelope with correct district title and letter with message. The number of the house has been censored to protect the privacy of the recipient.
Stamped and Addressed envelope prior to delivery
Eamonn Pearse with opened Letter and Envelope
Close up view of Letter and Envelope
Although the turf war with " Wilton " may never reach a positive conclusion , a more worrying trend has begun to emerge online with the sale of houses in Lehenaghmore and Lehenaghbeg using Wilton as an address. It is not known if the " Wilton " address was provided by the Seller or the Auctioneer. The blog emailed the advertisers site outlining the inaccuracy of the address as shown below. Also included is an excerpt of the sites listings descriptions outlining in yellow its policy on false addresses. The blog would also like to state that it in no way wishes to hinder the sale of any house , but merely points to the sites terms and conditions concerning the illegality of submitting false information. To date , no return email has been received.
When trying to date something inorganic , it can be tricky unless you
have some reference with which to work with. Roads are notoriously
difficult. Take our Districts main thoroughfare for example - Togher
Road. It never shows up as such on any old maps or even the Skinner
& Taylor Road Maps of Ireland 1777. But we can infer it exists based
on the Lough Road from which it obviously followed on from. Aside from
old houses ( most now gone ) which can be dated to the mid 17th Century
thus giving us an indication that the road existed , we have no further
proof of its age except from folklore and reasoned logic , which would
suggest a link to Kinsale town going back many Centuries. Henchion makes
mention of crushed stones being moved from Ellis Quarry ( Clashduff )
to be used in steamrolling both Togher and Pouladuff Roads in 1900.
Perhaps this gives us some clue as to the state of the road in the 19th
Century. Was it just a rough dirt track? Of course since then , it has
been repeatably covered and widened with hardcore and tarmacadam. The
early 1960s up to the start of the 1970s saw its biggest change ; with
the clearing away of its trees , ditch-lines , railway bridge and walls ,
it has been transformed beyond all recognition. The only traces of its
former look remain in the old National School wall , the wall by the
Gulley near Greenwood Estate ( sadly partially depleted in recent times )
and the stone wall by Togher Cross ( next to Liberty Stream ). When
Togher got its first bus service in 1946 , the locals coined the
expression - Keep in by the walls and mind the buses. Alas almost all of
those walls are gone forever.
The Togher Historical Association had the pleasure of speaking with a former owner of Maurice Kelly's on the phone where he shared some memories about his tenure there. Also a former employee and some customers were gracious enough to enlighten the blog with some stories.
Maurice Kelly's Butcher Shop
Maurice Kelly opened his Butcher shop in the Southside Shopping Centre in 1982. He took over the premises of the previous occupant - Byrnes Butchers who had been in situ since the initial opening in 1970. Maurice himself eventually closed operations in 1998 along with many other establishments. In the interim he and his staff provided much of the nearby Togher district with their meat supplies for close on 17 years and fostered a close relationship with the community of which he spoke highly. Maurice stated that Ray Murray Ltd. were the main stakeholders of the Complex still known affectionately as the Five Star or " Fiva " even though the anchor tenant had long since gone. The company eventually sold off the site to Lidl circa 2003 due in no small part to lack of business and intense competition from other Shopping Centres in the vicinity.
While there Maurice witnessed the closure of original tenants T.C.C. O'Brien's whose premises were next occupied by O'Sullivan's who traded as a Grocery store. The original Launderette to the left of his shop closed and the building converted to a T.V. repair shop operated by Gus Healy. Ironically , the former Bank Of Ireland premises which ceased business in the late 1970s became a Launderette headed up by Jim Casey. Other traders were the Chipper on the top level of the site and a Chemist run by O'Riordan's until retirement.
Maurice was one of the last to shut up shop in the once thriving Shopping Centre which had opened to such promise all those years ago in 1970. Even though the entire site was demolished in 2005 it has entered the folklore of many Togher residents both home and abroad and is still spoken of fondly to this day. The Blog would like to thank Maurice for his memories of those far off days which live on in the minds of all associated with Togher.
Carol Brown
Employee Carol Brown ( nee Molloy ) from Togher Square: I worked there since I was 15 till I got married and had my son Ian...Maurice was great to work for...like everyone's daddy...himself and Pauline were actually at our wedding...I knew everyone coming in obviously...he ran saving clubs for Easter and Christmas...used to dread school holidays with all the penny sweets...it was like a little supermarket...I started in 83 /84 and left In 91...great shortcut through the lane by flats.
Mags Murphy
Customer Mags Murphy from Sycamore Place: Maurice
used to cash my cheque from work at Togher Community Development where
Swan Beds is now where we made rain gear! Everyone else got theirs cashed at
the TSB bank on Clashduv Road but I had to take mine home to the mother
for her to see what I got every week as she
didn't trust me hahaha! She took most of it too for my 'keep' and I got
a few bob back. Jeez you'd be lucky to be handed up a few quid off them
nowadays if they are still living at home.!...Maurice Kelly never failed to cash my
cheques! Lovely man. And many a time I had to buy the chops out of it
for the dinner lol!
Imelda Twomey Murphy
Customer Imelda Twomey Murphy from Tramore Road : It
was like a family tradition for my family as we all worked there at
some stage. It was our Saturday job while going to school. My sister got
mugged one day coming from the TSB bank with coins for the weekend. From
what I can remember there was a lad called Tony O Sullivan and a full
time butcher called Vincent. Can't remember his last name
On Thursday 30th November 2017 , the Togher Historical Assoc. undertook its 24th Fieldwork Trip to date. Present were Eamonn Pearse , Kathleen O'Keeffe and Billy O'Brien. First port of call was the site of the old Sexton plot on Doughcloyne Hill. Now in private ownership having been sold off some years back , the planning form shown below gives all the details of the new structure. Of particular interest to the Blog is Togher's sole remaining Water Pump , which is located to the left of the entrance. Even though the Pump is no longer operational , it must be protected as it is the last original of its kind still in existence in Togher.
Notice for new Structure on Doughcloyne Hill
New structure on site of old Sexton plot
Last Water Pump in Togher!
Close up view of the last Water Pump
Billy O'Brien poses with Water Pump
The group next journeyed to St. James Cemetery , official graveyard of Togher District and Parish. The site opened in 2005 and is located off Mahers Lane in Chetwynd. Besides possessing a remarkably large car park , it is also home to a wall bank of ashes with seating for visitors. Out of respect , no photographs were taken of this area. Just inside the main gates is an imposing monument depicting an old Irish rowing boat surmounted on a gaggle of wild geese with the inscription " Ark Of Thought And Memory " etched on two sides of its plinth. In keeping with the religious theme , the group next stopped off briefly further up Mahers Lane to photograph the remnants of Togher's old grotto.
Marble placue at entrance to St. James Cemetery
Monument inside gates of St. James Cemetery
Alternate side view of monument
Togher's Old Grotto on Mahers Lane , Chetwynd
Next stop was a brief look at the crumbling remains of the old Allen House on Doughcloyne Hill. Sadly the house is beyond repair and will shortly be demolished being now in private ownership. Another link to Togher's past forgotten and dismissed out of hand.
Old Allen House on Doughcloyne Hill
The group stopped off in Applegreen for refreshments and were fortunate to meet with the Manager , Eileen , who is in negotiations with the Community Association to replace the wall placue denoting the site of Togher's first National School in 1850 which was damaged during renovations. The group were shown an artists rendition of the inscription and crest in preparation for a new placue. The group advised on a glaring mistake which was apparent on the base of the crest , which was a mixture of Irish and English , the original being solely in Irish.
Artists rendition of School Placue
At this juncture , Eamonn Pearse departed , leaving Kathleen O'Keeffe and Billy O'Brien to continue on their Fieldwork Trip. It was decided to visit the plot of scrubland running adjacent to Sarsfield Road and Eagle Valley. Here a short video was shot showing the site which will shortly see the construction of 73 new builds. The photo below gives all the details.
Planning Notice indicating the new Estate
Short video shot from two vantage points
A flying visit was made to the section of the Liberty Stream by Togher Cross to take in the view of the Hallihan house set back from the road by Lane's Cottage and a video showing the watercourse in full flow. It is planned to document a more comprehensive expose of this ancient part of Togher in the near future.
Joseph Hallihan House to rear of Togher Cross / Liberty Stream
Angled view of Liberty Stream / Togher Cross
Video showing Liberty Stream / Togher Cross
A simple walk across the road to another site of historical interest brought the former site of Lehenaghmore Lodge into focus. The Planning Notice shown below indicates the construction of 10 new builds. Also shown is the first entrance to a bungalow built for the Daughter of the original Lodge Keeper back in the 1950s. All that remains are the faint outline of the old foundation. Soon the walls will be gone and the site changed for ever. To the right are the legally protected original gates and pillars of the entrance to the former Lehenaghmore House.
Planning Notice for 10 new houses
Entrance to old bungalow which was to left of Lodge
Video showing the complete plot of land
Front view of entrance to Lehenaghmore House
View of left pillar and iron wrought gate
View of right pillar and iron wrought gate
Racing against the clock and fading daylight , the group next decided to travel to Woulfe Lane. This ancient byway of Togher is situated off Ardcahon Drive near Matthews Hill. The title derives its origin from the family name of the former Woulfe House now sadly demolished and replaced by new builds. The start of the old ditchline upon entering the lane has now been cut back and the section of road widened. The group videoed the remains of the former stables and Coach Houses of Lehenagh House , itself demolished 10 years ago which front onto the road. It is believed these will also be destroyed. Moving up further along the road , a brief call was made to another construction site in progress. It should be noted that most of the farm land of Gearys has been sold off with the result that many houses now dot the landscape as far as the Glenmore River and Forge Hill. A chance encounter was made with an old schoolmate of Kathleen O'Keeffe's - Joan Walsh - out walking her dog up Woulfe Lane. A full blown conversation ensued which brought the listeners back to the Togher of her childhood. Joan remarked how fit children were in the 1960s , where she would walk from Woulfe Lane then back up Matthews Hill and then down Lehenaghmore Hill to the Girls School , firstly the old National School ( now Community Centre ) and then the " New " Girls School , built in 1961 ( now Foroige ) and back again every day! She recalled how she would stop by an old Chestnut tree before starting off for school and filling her pockets for sustenance during her long walk. Another tale imparted was the daily incident on Woulfe Lane where a brown bull would eye her suspiciously and rub his horns along the brow of the ditch! She also recalled stories from her Uncle about the old I.R.A. during the War of Independence who would train nearby in subterranean tunnels. It is planned to interview Joan in the new year to archive her fascinating memories.
Borroway Lane is one of Togher's old original roads and is a corrupt English rendering of the original Irish name - Bothar An Buidhe - " The Tawny Road " aka By Way Lane. It acquired its name from the old trackway which stretched from Glasheen Road to the bend in the present day Whitebeam Road by virtue of the grey limestone dust from the nearby Ellis Quarry which mixed with the brown earth of the track. The track served both the workers of the quarry and a few market gardeners who dwelt on the land. Nowadays the old lane as pertains to Togher is preserved in the top section of Whitebeam Road which also has Birch Place adjoining it and the entrance to Maple Place with a newer section continuing on from the bend by Birch Place constructed in 1971 at the original termination leading onto Clashduv Road.
Overlay OSi Map showing 19th Century layout
with Underlay OSi Map showing 20th Century
The above OSi Map shows the 19th Century layout of the route as compared to the underlay of the present day layout. It should be noted that the newer section of road leading onto Clashduv Road , itself built circa 1968 meets at an exact right angle.
1951 Aerial Map showing Borroway Lane in Yellow
The above 1951 Aerial photograph reveals the topography and terrain which Borroway Lane traversed before modern development. As can be seen by the Yellow Line which denotes the section of the old road in Togher , it followed a sharp turn towards the Glasheen River ; this part of the road was removed in the early 1970s. The Green line shows the route of the newer section of road , the two being renamed Whitebeam Road in 1971. Also can be seen the new Clashduv Road , constructed circa 1968 which adjoins Whitebeam Road.
Google Map showing route of old Borroway Lane
This Google Map ( see above ) view shows Whitebeam Road in the context of its place amongst the neighbouring roads in Togher. The original route of the old Borroway Lane would also have gone through the now Birch Place and Clashduv Road Estates.
Beginning of Borroway Lane ( Whitebeam Road )
The beginning ( see above ) of Whitebeam Road as seen from the corner of Cherry Tree Road. It shows the houses on the left which carry the Address , whilst a parking area takes up the opposite side of the road. An historic legacy to Togher's past which thankfully has been preserved is the fact that the parking lot was the home of a Market Gardener , details of which are unknown at this time.
End of Borroway Lane ( Whitebeam Road )
The termination point ( see above ) of the original Borroway Lane at the point where two Estates meet the road ; Maple Place on the left and Birch Place on the right. Originally Borroway Lane would have turned sharply by Birch Place and continued onto the Glasheen River.
New section continuing from Borroway Lane
The newer section of road ( see above ) which was constructed in 1971 and leads on from the original Borroway Lane , both parts which are now known as Whitebeam Road. It should be noted that the Clashduv Road which it meets with at the bottom of the hill was already constructed in 1968.
Address signage on house fronting onto Clashduv Road
Whitebeam Roads' ( see above ) signage as depicted on the corner house fronting onto Clashduv Road. The colour code and number signify an abandoned attempt at postal addresses in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
1951 Geographica Schematic
showing " By - Way Lane "
1964 Schematic showing Borroway Lane
below Deerpark Road
The above two schematics from 1951 and 1964 respectively show the old Borroway Lane. In 1951 it is known locally as By - Way Lane , a shorter rendering ; In 1964 the top section which connects with Glasheen Road has been renamed Deerpark Road. It should be noted that this section of road would later be renamed once again to form Tara Lawn and Hillside Drive.
Aerial photo of cottage March 1967
Modern day site of old Cottage
Turning down off Cherry Tree Road onto Whitebeam road brings the reader to a site that nowadays is used as a car park but which in former times was the location of a workmen's Cottage. It is not known who lived there but the two photos above give a good indication of its former and current location.
Elm Road : 
Hazel Road 
Edward Walsh Road
Clashduv Park
Clashduv Park , Deanrock
Edward Walsh Road
Deanrock Site
Woodlawn , Tramore Road
Rock Bingo
Community Centre
Coffeys Field walk 
Tramore River
Togher Church
Dental Lodge
Sandown Crest 
City Bounds pub , Lehenaghmore Hil
Lehenaghmore Hill 
Alderbrook Estate
Lehenaghmore Hill
Barrett's Farm , Lehenaghmore
Matthew's Hill
