Roscrea’s third year of Heritage Week events a great success!
'Happy Are We All Together', a song sung by Séamus & Joe Moloughney, drifted out from the early 19th century Courthouse in what can only be described as a fitting finish to an incredible evening.
Roscrea Heritage Society’s first event really set the tone for the week ahead. Less than half an hour into their event and tables were removed to make way for more chairs and within the hour, the courthouse was full to capacity.
The evening brought together young and old from near and far, many with a song to sing, a tune to play or a story to be told. No Rambling House would be complete without a Fear an Tí for the evening and Roscrea Heritage Society were very fortunate to have Séamus Moloughney fill that role. Séamus ensured everyone felt welcome and encouraged all who took to the floor.
Such a fantastic night was enjoyed by all and this was shown on the night and in the days that followed when there were calls from many to bring the Rambling House back to Roscrea on a more regular basis. Roscrea Heritage Society will plan to organise another one in the near future.
On Thursday morning, a large crowd gathered in front of Roscrea Castle to take a bus to Fancroft Mill & Gardens. This tour was extremely popular again this year with places booking out early and leaving many names on a waiting list in the hopes of a cancellation. Visitors came from Roscrea, Thurles, Templetuohy and Horse & Jockey, and some had even taken the early bus from Dublin to join the tour.
The group were warmly welcomed by Marcus and Irene Sweeney who, as always, ensured all had a very memorable day. Visitors were fascinated by the presentation on the history of the site, the tour of the restored mill and the extensive gardens.
Light refreshments served in the cosy tea room complete with a couple of tunes from Caoimhe Flannery on tin whistle, made for a very enjoyable finish to the afternoon. Fancroft Mill & Gardens, a hidden gem situated just 4km outside Roscrea, is well worth a visit.
On Friday afternoon, a group of people took a chance on the unpredictable weather to join Dick Conroy on his walking tour of Roscrea. Roscrea Heritage Society were delighted to have Roisín O'Grady (Tipperary County Council Heritage Officer) join the tour.
Many sites were visited such as the Round Tower, Black Mills and the former site of the old weigh house in Market Square. Dick recounted stories on famous Roscrea people such as Daisy Bates, renowned for her work with the Aborigines.
The quiz sheet was a fun and welcome addition that brought out the competitiveness in some walkers, who were determined to listen attentively in the hopes of winning an OPW Family Heritage Card. Congratulations to Patricia McNamara, our winner on the day!
Sunday brought about the last of heritage week events, 'Dancing at the Crossroads'. Although originally planned to take place outdoors in the Glebe Park, the unpredictable weather left no choice but to change venue and luckily the Abbey Hall was available. The afternoon got off to a great start with Séamus Moloughney and Pat Byrne singing a few songs.
Following on was Stevenevets, magician, who kept the children and adults alike highly entertained! Mary McNamara helped children paint and decorate many fairy doors and the candy cart and refreshment table were welcomed by all.
Members of Roscrea Comhaltas took to the floor playing a few tunes while Darragh and Kate Shortt danced to a collection of jigs and reels. Their little sister joined in and danced around the room giving her own great performance! This was followed by a few great whistling tunes from Michael Ryan, a song sung by Tom Holmes and a few tunes on the accordion from Catharine Middleton. The evening was then brought to a close with Séamus and Joe Moloughney singing once more, 'Happy Are We All Together'.
Roscrea Heritage Society would like to thank all who participated in and helped to make the week such a success. These events, dedicated to showcasing our natural, cultural and built heritage to locals and visitors alike, would not have been possible without you all. Special thanks to Anne Keevey, Séamus and Joe Moloughney, Paddy Curran, Irene and Marcus Sweeney, Dick Conroy, Shane Lee, Pat Byrne, Marie Tooher, Caroline Phelan and family, Brendan Flannery and family, Mary McNamara, Robert and Jason Ryan, Pat Flanagan, Suzanne Costello and members of Roscrea Comhaltas.
Congratulations also to Eleanor Ryan Carroll and Josephine McNamara Longe on winning the OPW Family Heritage Cards through our Facebook competition.
Roscrea Heritage Society will hold their next meeting on Tuesday September 18th at 7pm in Brian Redmond’s Studio. Plans for this year’s Miscellany amongst others will be discussed on the night. New members are most welcome. For further information, please contact Pamela Aitken; mobile - (085) 7114183, email – roscreaheritagesociety@gmail.com.