Togher , A Brief History - Tom O'Keeffe

The following book was first published by Tom O'Keeffe in 1995. It was the first printed historical document devoted exclusively to the region. The O'Keeffe Family have given permission to the Togher Historical Association & Blog for it to be reproduced here in full for archival purposes and for it to gain an extended audience with those who may not have a copy and for those with an interest in local history. Check back often as the Blog uploads more images. Please be aware these were captured by camera from the Local Studies Dept. of Cork City Library and while some editing has been done , they are shown as is.

To Be Cont'd ...

Home Thoughts From Abroad - 11 - Land Of Ghosts And Giants

A series of posts from the Historical Assoc. Facebook group page - I'm From Togher , Boy.

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Land Of Ghosts And Giants

29th July 2016

It's quite remarkable when you look back at the rich history of Togher. Even though much of her landmarks and prominent buildings are gone it is sometimes sobering to contemplate them. Medieval Churches , an ancient graveyard , an Iron Age causeway , Forges and Mills , Ice Skating , Ghostly Armies , Giant Elks , vast wetlands and meadows , railway bridges , whiteboys , road bowling , quarries , underground streams , 17th Century houses , High stone walls. The list is endless! A lot to ponder and a lot to be proud of! Welcome to Togher. 

Home Thoughts From Abroad - 10 - History Begins At Home

A series of posts from the Historical Assoc. Facebook group page - I'm From Togher , Boy.

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History Begins At Home

17th November 2015

I've often thought about my love of history and local history in particular. I've traveled the world and digested enormous amounts of literature about ancient cultures. At school , I could name all the Kings and Queens of England. In fact , I had a sneaking suspicion that I knew more about English History than English children! As an adult , I certainly knew more about World History than I did about the place where I grew up and called home. What was here before me and my home , who lived here , what did it look like? What changed , what happened to it , why did it vanish? Why was I not instructed in school about my local area? Why was I not taught that which was pertinent to me? What was the big secret?! Alas , local history is very much neglected in the state curriculum? Thankfully , local historical groups are springing up all over the place to tackle this omission. Togher has its very own - founded some years ago now and evolving and growing stronger. From field research to online investigation to local interviews , a picture is slowly emerging of a fascinating past , which will astound and amaze you. History is all around us and beneath our feet. You are part of it and you are its legacy. Be proud of it and of yourself.

Joe Murphy Family Visit - Shirley Kelleher - 29th October 2016

On 29th October 2016 , the Blog played host at the Community Centre to a very special speaker. The Grand Niece - Shirley Kelleher - of Volunteer Joe Murphy who died on Hunger Strike after seventy-six days without food on 25 October 1920 - gave an exclusive talk to those present. Such was the occasion , that it was decided to video the event for posterity. Although heavily edited , it showcases the main points raised during the meeting which encompasses many diverse topics as can be seen in the video below.

Video of meeting with Blog & Joe Murphy's grand niece Shirley Kelleher

Previous to the Blog's historic meeting with a relative of Joe Murphy , Billy O'Brien had the honour of briefly speaking with Henry " Harry " Delaney , Shirley's Father , in Ballincollig , whose own Mother was Joe Murphy's sister.

Henry Delaney , son of Joe Murphy's sister 

pictured at St. Finbarr's cemetery 2006

Shirley Kelleher ( nee Delaney ) traveled to several poignant locations in Togher where many memories were reopened and much rare information was disclosed. Togher Girls National School , the Community Centre ( original National School which Joe attended ) and of course Joe Murphy house on Pouladuff Road were each visited.

Portrait of Joe Murphy

Joe Murphy's sister 1972

A complete collation of the Joe Murphy archives in conjunction with his family will now be undertaken by the Blog. Also penciled in for a future project will be the digitization of the entire school roll books of Togher going back to 1850! The Blog would like to thank most sincerely Shirley Kelleher for being so gracious with her time. A full biography of Joe Murphy and his lineage to date will feature here in the very near future.

 Kathleen O'Keeffe , Dan O'Riordan , James O'Brien , 

Shirley Kelleher & Billy O'Brien at Togher Community Centre

 Billy O'Brien & Shirley Kelleher

outside Community Centre

 Shirley Kelleher posing with historic 

family photographs in Togher

Shirley Kelleher outside Togher Girls National School

which she attended from 1971 to 1979

 Shirley Kelleher at Joe Murphy House

Billy O'Brien paid an equally historic visit to SuperValu shopping centre to present a copy of a 1970 article from the Evening Echo showing the construction of the original building to Store Manager Kevin Morgan. It subsequently transpired that Kevin and Billy both hailed from Togher Square. A small world indeed!

Kevin Morgan & Billy O'Brien at SuperValu Togher

article courtesy of Ronnie Herlihey and Evening Echo