Barnaderg Market House

 

Letter to The Tuam Herald from Joseph Hanly re market house.

Source:Pat Coen, Claregalway

 

Market House as it is today converted to Our Lady's Grotto

Dear Sir,

When I visited my native parish Killererin, recently, I heard that the Galway Co. Council intended demolishing the old market house on the Green, Barnaderg.

Market House

This market house was built in 1837 by John A. Kirwan, great grandfather of Mrs. Barbara McHugh, Barnaderg. It is beautifully corniced in cut limestone, was re-roofed some years ago and is in first class condition, so that there is no question of it being an eyesore; it is on the contrary, an ornament and a historic landmark in the village.

Lovely cut stone buildings being demolished

I have come across other cases, both in Galway and in other counties, where beautifully cut stone buildings, possessing at least local attachments and a good deal of local, traditional history have been demolished solely for the purpose of providing material for the roads.

Unsightly derelict houses should be cleared away but buildings such as I have mentioned , in addition to the historic ones protected by the State, should not be interfered with unless there is some compelling and well considered reason.

Resent the removal of market house

Personally, as a native, I would resent very strongly, indeed, he removal of the Barna market house and I believe many local residents would also resent it. No generation has a right to wantonly destroy public property handed down to it, particularly when that property has historic, sentimental or architectural qualities to justify its preservation, and where local people have not been publicly notified before a decision is taken by the public authority.

I would appeal to the Galway County Council not to perpetrate this act which, in my opinion, would be public vandalism. I would appeal to them further, and to all public authorities o frame regulations forbidding the destruction of any kind of public monument, whether of stone or earth without full and public investigation and witout grave necessity, publicly justified.

Faithfully yours

Joseph Hanly,

Eagle Lodge,

Rathgar Avenue,

Dublin

(Killererin Heritage Society are delighted that someone took a stand all those years ago and that the appeal along with local support was successful. The quality of the workmanship is plain to be seen and the Market House still stands repurposed and proud in the centre of our village).