19th century cowhouse successfully restored
Funding awarded through the 2021 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme by the Heritage Council, allowed Catherine Cotter to restore and repair a 19th century limestone and natural slate farmyard building at her Ballindangan Cross farm. Following a very competitive application process, the project was selected for the 2021 tranche.
The ambition of the project was to restore the roof of the cowhouse to its original condition and to preserve the building for generations to come. Over time the building had been damaged by storms, weathering and general aging.
Mitchelstown based engineer, Kevin Finn oversaw the project, scoping out the works and completed the detailed reports required pre, during and post project completion. The role of the engineer is to ensure the project is completed with reuse and restoration at the heart of the project, safeguarding the original features and character of the building.
Gerry Tobin from Clonmel was hired to carry out a bat and bird survey. On a bright summer’s evening Gerry detected much nocturnal activity in the area, including Pipistrellus pygmaeus, P. pipistrellus and P. nathusii in the environs, but not dwelling in the cowhouse. Sparrows were detected as being present in the building and due to this, work had to be delayed until they had fledged at the end of August.
WORKS COMMENCE
Following an extensive search and tender process, carpenter Eddie O’Farrell of Shanballymore was hired to carry out the works. Eddie had extensive experience in similar projects and his ethos matched closely with those of the project’s objectives. With work commencing in late October, the original slates were removed one by one and stored safely for reuse following careful assessment and grading. It was very interesting to find that many of the original nails were still intact but with varying levels of decay.
With the timber roof structure now laid bare, it was assessed carefully and where necessary, some was replaced and some was complimented. Much of the original timberwork was retained, showing the quality of the craftsmanship from many years ago.
Replacement slates were required and these were sourced from John O’Brien Slates in Dromcollogher. John trades in salvaged natural slate and it was very fortunate that he had sufficient stock of a matching slate type, both in thickness and width. Fiachra Leahy, Dairygold Mitchelstown, was of great assistance in the supply of materials, and specialist materials were sourced from The Traditional Lime Company in Carlow.
Natural mortar was used for bedding the new timbers. It was also used for pointing cavities in the walls and the installation of barges at either end. These barges are still under cover as the curing process can take up to one year, and it is important to protect the mortar from the risk of frost in the winter months.
Walsh Sawmills in Kildorrery were utilised to cut and supply bespoke cuts for lintels and roof trusses. To finish off the project, guttering was fitted to the rear of the building to ensure rainwater was diverted away from the structure. Alucast Kanturk supplied specialist guttering fittings.
2022 SCHEME & OPEN DAY
It is planned to host an open day in the coming months and notice of this will be posted in TheAvondhu. The engineer and the tradesmen will lead a discussion on the project and the importance of schemes like this. The process involved in securing funding will also be discussed to assist any prospective applicants.
The 2022 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme has been open for applications from 20th January this year. Funding applications must be submitted via the Heritage Council’s Online Grants System at https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/ and the closing date for receipt of applications is 22nd February 2022 at 5pm.