Communities in Offaly celebrate the heritage of the Grand Canal
History publication launched in Pullough as heritage boats descend on Tullamore
A SERIES of activities to celebrate the Grand Canal took place in Tullamore and Pullough last weekend.
The events were organised by Waterways Ireland, the Heritage Boats Association and the Offaly branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland.
Eibhlin Smith, 45 B, very ably chaired the ceremonies featuring the launch of Eunice Jeffer’s book on Friday evening in Pullough, “The Grand Canal, People, Peat and Porter”. The attendance of over 80 boaters and locals in “The Pull Inn” ” enthusiastically engaged with the contents and enjoyed the taste. The book was based on research for a thesis at UCC and Eunice was the previous owner of 45 B. The photographs in the book were taken by Robert Shorthall.
Historian Sean O'Reilly gave a very informative talk about the history of the building of the canal and particularly the necessity to build it to move British troops in 20 hours from Dublin to the Shannon to engage any French invasion. The Grand Extension from Tullamore to Shannon Harbour was eventually passed in Parliament in London by William Pitt. Shannon Harbour was chosen by the top army surveyor, Valance for the connection to the Shannon. In 1802 Clonony Barracks housed 2,000 troops, for the defence of the canal, which was the biggest corridor in the British Isles.
Paddy Harkin, Regional Manager, Eastern region Waterways Ireland, spoke about the development of the canal and the Greenway from Dublin to Shannon Harbour. Marine engineer, Dessie O'Loughlin brought 45 B from Shannon Harbour to Pollough and then onto Tullamore. Noel Cooney, born 1947, gave a very enlightening talk about his life in Pullough and the importance of the canal.
All the representatives from the boats were presented with a bottle of Guinness and a sod of turf to celebrate the book launch. Barbara Daly recited a fine poem about the 1913 protest lockout of workers following James Larkin and the events in Pollough. Martina Daly about the last Guinness barge written by the late husband of Kate Digan. Eileen Devery organised the food. Thanks to the publican and his team for facilitating a lovely evening.
On Saturday night Tony McCormack, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, welcomed everybody to the beautifully appointed centre beside the canal in Tullamore. Born and bred in Tullamore he has a great interest in the canal, its history and amenities. Sean O Reilly gave another presentation on the military history and its importance to Tullamore and the canal. The extension from Tullamore to link up with the Shannon via Shannon Harbour eventually commenced in January 1802 and was completed in 1803.
The Grand Extension Certificate of Recognition was launched by John Fitzgerald, national vice president of Inland Waterways. Boaters who travel the 22 miles of the extension get a special passport which is stamped in Tullamore and in The Harbour Masters B&B on their return to Shannon Harbour. The exhibition of Robert Shorthall was also exhibited. His chosen subjects were sailing ships, canal boats and steam trains. Tony talked about the Greenways from Dublin to Shannon Harbour and how they will bring new life to the canal and boost tourism. He thanked everybody for attending. Breda Kenny and Helen Bracken, from Offaly History Centre, provided excellent assistance to all
On Sunday afternoon there was a presentation by Waterways Ireland to celebrate Water Day for Heritage week. All three made a very valuable contribution. Cormack McCarthy, Climate Action and Sustainability Manager fielded further questions and referred them to the experts, Martina McCarthy, Heritage Officer and Nuala O'Reilly, archivist, Waterways Ireland, Enniskillen gave a talk on the archive. Martina McCarthy’s podcast, A Boatman's Journey will be released in two weeks. There was great interest in the presentation and lots of questions from the audience of 84 boaters who filled the hall. Thank you to the team. James Scully thanked Waterways Ireland for their assistance and ease of access to their historical archives.
We walked up to the Grand Canal dock accompanied by Conor Nolan and Irene O’Neill on Heritage boat 118. There were 2 bolinder engines, one owned by Kevin Foley and Gerry Murphy, the other by Offaly IWAI. The explosive shots from the engines running was like a war scene from the TV. 45 M owner and skipper Susan Coote had its Bolinder engine running like clockwork aided by Dessie O'Loughlin, marine engineer who brought the boat from Pollough to Tullamore. The 4 B boat was originally a working boat for Turraun Peat Works.