Preserving Longford history, both good and bad

History is what makes us who we are, an amalgam of the good and the bad. Those who preserve the past act as guardians of our self identity.

Ballymahon's Leo Casey Historical Society are such guardians. Earlier this year the group initiated a process that culminated in the unveiling of a memorial plaque to commemorate the site of The Workhouse in Ballymahon.

The plaque was erected at the end of the Workhouse Road, opposite Thomond Lodge Nursing Home, however inclement weather saw the unveiling ceremony held indoors in Cooney’s Hotel.

Sisters Patsy Colgan McCormack and Mary Carey carried out the unveiling honours. Mary and Patsy’s family have lived in Ballymahon since pre-workhouse times, and their Great Grandfather supplied materials in the building of the Workhouse itself.

“It was truly phenomenal to have this family lineage still with us today in Ballymahon,” Coordinator of the memorial ceremony Rónán Ó Ceallaigh said.

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As the torrential rain drops danced on the roof of Cooney’s Hotel, Uilleann Pipe player Noel Carberry entertained the gathering with fantastic reflective melodies.

In it's time the workhouse accommodated people from Agharra, Ardnagragh, Ballymahon, Ballymore, Cashel, Doonis, Doory, Forgney, Foxhall, Kilcommock, Kilglass, Ledwithstown, Noughaval, Piercetown, Templepatrick, and Winetown.

Ballymahon's workhouse opened in 1852 and closed as an institution in 1921, but remained the residence for some families until they were moved to new housing in the mid-1970s.

Workhouses were institutions operated in Ireland, for almost 80 years, from the 1840s to the 1920s. The Ballymahon facility was one of 163 workhouses across Ireland. Ostensibly established to provide employment for paupers and sustenance for the infirm, the poor reputation of the Workhouse lingers a century after their closure.

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Mr Ó Ceallaigh, introduced proceedings giving a comprehensive background on the project beginnings through the Gaelic Reflection project initiated in 2024.

The Gaelic Reflections aims to drive regrowth in Ballymahon, by stimulating the tourist sector: “Ballymahon has a lot to offer the discerning tourist, with historical, cultural and heritage…. tá scéalta againn, we have a story, and the world needs to know,” Mr Ó Ceallaig said.

Rónan believes we live in times, where our culture, heritage, history and native language are being diluted and forgotten: “We need to revive our Irish heritage, embrace it, promote it, and be proud of it, it is our national identity. This concept is driven and supported very enthusiastically by local businesses to drive the goal to rejuvenate local and national Irish culture and heritage in Ballymahon, and to broadcast it locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Councillor Mark Casey, Cathaoirleach for Longford County Council and Fianna Fail Councillor, Pat O’Toole, Cathaoirleach for the Ballymahon Municipal District both praised the work of the Leo Casey Historical Society.

They also spoke about the effect the workhouse had on the locality, both in helping the poor, and also the reputation that they developed throughout the years, during these turbulent times.

Local historian, author and Chairperson of the Ballymahon Leo Casey Historical Society, Paddy Egan spoke on the history of the workhouse and the tough and harrowing life of the people who sought relief.

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Ballymahon Workhouses was located on a six-acre site. It cost £7,620, and was designed by the Poor Law Commissioners architect, George Wilkinson.

Workhouses were a feared and hated institution all over Ireland: “If people could not support themselves, they could come into the workhouse. Here they would do some work in return for food. People had to stay and live in the workhouse and so the system was known as “indoor relief”.

“Families were separated upon entry; men, women, and children were kept apart. Life within the institution itself was extremely harsh,” Mr Ó Ceallaigh said.

Paddy Egan recited a poem he wrote called “Ballymahon Workhouse” with Noel Carberry on tin whistle playing in the background: “It was truly the most astounding, soul searching, reflective piece I have ever experienced,” Rónán said of the piece, “You would not hear a pin drop. It was stiflingly reflective, with nostalgic overtures in abundance.”

The plaque has two sections, one with the layout of the Workhouse taken from a 1913 map, and the second section, being bilingual as Gaeilge and as Béarla. The following line was added on the plaque, as we remembered those who entered the Workhouse and never left.

Father Liam Murray PP joined the gathering together in prayer for the souls of the dead.

Mr Ó Ceallaigh concluded by saying: “Thank you to Longford County Council for providing the matched funding for Community and Heritage, for affording the group the opportunity to achieve this project end goal. Within Longford County Council thank you to Martin Morris County Archivist, and Mairead Ni Chonghaile Heritage Officer, for their assistance throughout the project.

This evening, the organisers recognised the contribution of Sean Kelly, proprietor of Thomond Lodge Nursing Home who granted the Historical Society permission to erect the plaque on the site.”

The Ballymahon Leo Casey Historical Society team include: Paddy Egan (Chairperson), Eugene Dalton (Secretary), Ronan O Ceallaigh (Treasurer), Patsy Colgan McCormack, Mary Carey, Pat Kilduff, Anne Kilduff, Cissy Duggan, and Eileen Leslie. To join, email ballymahonlchistoricalsociety@gmail.com