Community notes May 8th

Timoleague Railway

The speed of the train on the Timoleague to Courtmacsherry line was often the topic of comical conversation in the early years of its operation. Indeed, many a budding cyclist and athlete often fancied their chances as they raced on the road beside the train with victory oft times going the way of the human. However, it may not have been generally known that there was a speed limit of 6 mph between Timoleague Station and the Lagoon at the end of the causeway. A 6mph limit was imposed as the train entered Courtmacsherry village also. The limit increased to 12 mph on the remaining section of the line.

These limits were imposed by General Hutchinson, the railway inspector who was responsible for the signing off of the completion of the line in 1891. He was a stickler for detail and several adjustments and additions had to be completed before he was satisfied that everything was as planned in relation to health and safety. While these steam engines were not built for speed, none the less the engine drivers were law abiding citizens and loyal employees and had to put up with many snide remarks that were passed about them and their locomotives. The innocence of a bygone age!

Rosary During May

The rosary will be recited each evening at 8pm at Our Lady’s Well, Timoleague during the month of May. Covid restrictions will be in operation but there is ample room for all to be safelyaccommodated.

100 Years Ago

On the 11^th. of May 1921, the Timoleague Company suffered a major blow when Lieutenant Con Murphy, Ballinroher was shot dead at nearby Cloundereen. Con was on his way home accompanied by Michael Coleman of Barryroe and David O’Sullivan, having attended a Battalion Council meeting at O’Neill’s of Maryborough that dragged on until dawn.  Members of the Essex Regiment descended on the O’Mahony farm yard as Con was talking to the woman of the house who put her head out an upstairs window as dawn broke. He made a run for it but was fatally wounded. Michael Coleman avoided the same fate by hiding under an upturned horse cart.He was buried in the family plot at Clogagh. Eleven members of the Timoleague Company under the command of Con Lehane of Ardmore gave their fallen comrade, acting Captain Con Murphy a burial with full military honours at midnight. An excellent account of the life and times of Con was published in last week’s edition of this newspaper.

Church of the Ascension, Timoleague

To celebrate what has been achieved so far with the Church of the Ascension Conservation Project, the church will be open to the public on Ascension Day 13^th May 10am to 10pm. Adhering to COVID19 restrictions, this is an invitation for people to see inside and experience first-hand this remarkable building.

From the outside, the Church of the Ascension in Timoleague looks like most other small rural churches in Ireland- until you discover what’s inside. From floor to ceiling the church is magnificently decorated with intricate mosaics that amaze all who enter. Built in 1811 on the site of an older church, this building is actually more like a mini cathedral. Beautiful stained-glass windows bounce colourful beams of natural light throughout the building. Intriguing stone carvings of animals and golden angels painted up high in the chancel ceiling, all radiate a special presence and peace. A renaissance styled baptismal font of a kneeling angel holding out a shell-shaped bowl offers an awareness of the spiritual realm. All of this, and more, is with the backdrop of thousands of tiny mosaic tiles carefully placed and designed to create a place of awe and beauty.

There are many stories of historical interest linked to the mosaics. Perhaps the most unusual concerns the mosaic memorial on the south wall. This was mainly paid for by the His Highness, the Maharajah of Gwalior, India, in gratitude of a locally born doctor, Aylmer Martin Crofts. Originally from the townland of Concamore, Crofts had become his personal physician for twenty years, and on one occasion, he had helped to save his son’s life. Architect Jeremy Williams who wrote in ‘A Companion Guide to Architecture in Ireland 1937-1921’ said that this church “transcended the sectarian divide between Irish Catholic and Protestant, the Indian Muslim and Hindu, personal friendship breaking up hereditary distinctions of caste and colour.”

Sadly, water ingress has started to take its toll on the church building. In some places, damp and poor ventilation have started to cause the mosaics to detach and bulge. Salt crystallisation also is apparent. To address this, the parishioners, though few in number, commissioned professional Conservation and Structural reports two years ago. Using up their financial reserves, but with the help of the community, Phase 1 of the works has now been completed. This has involved re-roofing the entire church building and securing the clock-faced tower. Further works to be completed this year including re-rendering the most exposed parts of the building with breathable lime-mortar to secure the building against any further water damage.

A considerable sum of money has yet to be raised to preserve the building. Contributions, no matter how big or small are all greatly appreciated. Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page at www.timoleaguemosaics.ie. A new video on Timoleague the church will be launched this Sunday on Facebook: Kilgarriffe Union of Parishes.