Borrisokane
Encyclopedia
Borrisokane is a town in North Tipperary
, Ireland
. In 2006 it had a population of approximately 1,145. It is situated on the N52
/N65
National secondary road
between Nenagh
and Portumna
and the N52 between Nenagh and Birr
. It is close to Lough Derg which is only 12 km to the west. It is a civil parish
in the historical barony
of Ormond Lower
. It is also an Ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe
.
, the area now known as Borrisokane was the property of the O'Carroll
s of Ely
who claimed to be descendants of the 'Clan or Cian or the Cianacht. The O’Kennedy
s were another significant ruling family, owning tower house
s in surrounding townlands.
During the Cromwellian Plantation, Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey
, the Earl of Cork
and the Earl of Arran
were among those granted lands at Borrisokane. Arran hill, a townland
of Borrisokane, is thought likely to be named after the latter.
Local population changes throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have underlined the great social and economic challenges that Ireland as a nation itself faced during these times. The population of the parish in 1831 was 2, 634 and in 1841, it had risen to 3, 175. Due to reasons of famine
and emigration
, this number has fallen steadily to 1, 145 today.
During the War of Independence
, and the Civil War
which followed, Borrisokane was witness to local hostilities. On the 26 June 1920: About 200 IRA
volunteers attacked an RIC
barracks at Borrisokane, currently the town's Garda
Station. The attack was unsuccessful, but the building was so badly damaged that it was evacuated the next day. One Volunteer was killed in the action, and a plaque commemorates him today as Micheál Ó Cinnéide, Uncle of the former Government Minister Michael O'Kennedy
.
The Modreeny
Ambush took place on the 3 June 1921, during the Irish War of Independence
. The ambush was an attack on an RIC and Black and Tan
patrol en route to the local Petty Sessions in Borrisokane Courthouse. It was committed by a Flying Column led by Sean Gaynor at Kallegbeg Cross, between Borrisokane and Cloughjordan
and resulted in the deaths of four RIC/ Black and Tan members.
Later that same day, a branch of the "Munster and Leinster" bank was robbed of £2,000. Borrisokane Courthouse and its jail were also burned.
During the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, Borrisokane was an important centre for wheat production. There was an active mill in the town, which was operational from 1810 until about 1940. There seems to have been a brewery at this site also, due to a lane running alongside the now derelict mill named 'Brewers Lane'.
This mill was demolished in April, 2010, an event which caused some local anger.
, Edmund Spenser
is said to have referred to the local hill of Knockshegowna. Knockshegowna (Irish: Cnoc Sí Úna) translated literally means 'The Hill of Fairy Una'. In Spenser's poem, Úna, the personification of the "True Church" travels with the Redcrosse Knight (who represents England), whom she has recruited to save her parents' castle from a dragon.
Knockshegowna Hill and its supposed fairies is also the subject of R.D. Williams' poem The Fairies of Knockshegowna and The Legend of Knockshegowna by Crofton Croker
In 1930, the David Clarke Memorial Hall was opened in Borrisokane, dedicated to the memory of the town's then most prominent Landlord, David Clarke. The Hall is still used today for the staging of musical and theatrical productions.
2009 saw the opening of Tess Burkes. It has since established itself as a popular live music venue attracting up and coming bands from all over the country.
club is based at Páirc Gairnéir and their colours are Green & White . In 2010 they won the Tipperary County Intermediate Hurling Championship and were unlucky to lose out in the Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship. In 2009, Borrisokaqne won the inaugural North Tipperary Junior C Hurling Championship. This was due in no small part to the leadership provided by team captain Pat Carroll in the mid-field position.
Borrisokane Athletic Club caters for athletes from age 8 to senior and are one of the most successful sports clubs in Ireland. Athletes from this small town club have travelled the world representing their country and can boast over 100 National titles throughout its 30 years. Most recently the clubs success has came from the senior ladies who were crowned National League Champions in 2008.
Horse Racing associated with The Ormond Hunt pack were first held at Borrisokane on the farm of John Reddan at Kylenagoona, near Borrisokane in the year 1863. Meetings were held annually in June, July and August, with most competition being for The Borrisokane Plate. Racing continued here up until the early 1900s when it moved closer to the town. A song, 'The Kylenagoona Races' was composed in reference to Borrisokane's local horse racing.
The town and district are today home to a number of well known equestrian personalities including former Irish champion jockey turned Racehorse Trainer Charlie Swan who lives in nearby Cloughjordan
.
North Tipperary
North Tipperary is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-West Region and is also located in the province of Munster. It is named after the town of Tipperary and consists of 48% of the land area of the traditional county of Tipperary. The county was established in 1898 and has had a county...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. In 2006 it had a population of approximately 1,145. It is situated on the N52
N52 road (Ireland)
The N52 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It links the M7 motorway from just south of Nenagh, County Tipperary to the M1 motorway north of Dundalk in County Louth.The road is long.-Quality of Road:...
/N65
N65 road (Ireland)
The N65 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It links the N52 at Borrisokane, County Tipperary to the M6 north of Loughrea in County Galway.En route it crosses the River Shannon at Portumna.The road is long.-See also:*Roads in Ireland...
National secondary road
National secondary road
A national secondary road is a category of road in Ireland. These roads form an important part of the national route network, but are secondary to the main arterial routes which are classified as national primary roads. National secondary roads are designated with route numbers higher than those...
between Nenagh
Nenagh
Nenagh is the county town of North Tipperary in Ireland. It is the administrative centre of North Tipperary and in 2011 it had a recorded population of 7,995. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Ormond Lower...
and Portumna
Portumna
Portumna is a market town in the south-east of County Galway, Ireland, on the border with County Tipperary. The town is located to the west of the point where the River Shannon enters Lough Derg. This historic crossing point over the River Shannon between counties Tipperary and Galway has a long...
and the N52 between Nenagh and Birr
Birr
Birr is a town in County Offaly, Ireland. Once called Parsonstown, after the Parsons family who were local landowners and hereditary Earls of Rosse. It is also a parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe....
. It is close to Lough Derg which is only 12 km to the west. It is a civil parish
Civil parish
In England, a civil parish is a territorial designation and, where they are found, the lowest tier of local government below districts and counties...
in the historical barony
Barony (Ireland)
In Ireland, a barony is a historical subdivision of a county. They were created, like the counties, in the centuries after the Norman invasion, and were analogous to the hundreds into which the counties of England were divided. In early use they were also called cantreds...
of Ormond Lower
Ormond Lower
Ormond Lower is one of the baronies of Ireland, an historical geographical unit of land. It is one of 14 baronies in the traditional county of Tipperary between the baronies of Ormond Upper to the south-east and Owney and Arra to the south-west...
. It is also an Ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe
Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe
The Diocese of Killaloe is a Roman Catholic diocese in mid-western Ireland. It is one of six suffragan dioceses in the ecclesiastical province of Cashel and is subject to the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. The diocese is in the secular province of the same name - Munster...
.
History
During the Norman invasion of IrelandNorman Invasion of Ireland
The Norman invasion of Ireland was a two-stage process, which began on 1 May 1169 when a force of loosely associated Norman knights landed near Bannow, County Wexford...
, the area now known as Borrisokane was the property of the O'Carroll
O'Carroll
O' Carroll is an Irish family name, deriving from the Gaelic Ó Cearbhail.-O' Carroll name and territorial extent:Notable is the history of the Clan Ó Cearbhail whose territory, known as Ely O' Carroll in Éile, consisted of the pasture lands of Ballycrinass, Rosscullenagh and Drumcan, extending to...
s of Ely
Éile
Éile, Éle or Éli, commonly anglicised Ely, was an ancient and medieval kingdom of northern Munster in Ireland.-Overview:They claimed descent from Céin , a possibly mythical or spurious younger son of Ailill Aulom and brother of Éogan Mór, and thus kinship with the Eóganachta...
who claimed to be descendants of the 'Clan or Cian or the Cianacht. The O’Kennedy
Kennedy (Ireland)
The Kennedy family of Ireland is a royal dynasty founded in the Middle Ages who were Kings of Ormond. Their founder was the nephew of High King Brian Boru . Kennedy is an anglicised form of the Irish "Ó Cinnéide". The name Cinnéide belonged Brian Boru's father Cennétig mac Lorcáin, King of Thomond,...
s were another significant ruling family, owning tower house
Tower house
A tower house is a particular type of stone structure, built for defensive purposes as well as habitation.-History:Tower houses began to appear in the Middle Ages, especially in mountain or limited access areas, in order to command and defend strategic points with reduced forces...
s in surrounding townlands.
During the Cromwellian Plantation, Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey
Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey
Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey PC was an Anglo-Irish royalist statesman. After short periods as President of the Council of State and Treasurer of the Navy, he served as Lord Privy Seal between 1673 and 1682 for Charles II...
, the Earl of Cork
Earl of Cork
Earl of the County of Cork, usually shortened to Earl of Cork, is a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1620 for the Anglo-Irish politician Richard Boyle, 1st Baron Boyle...
and the Earl of Arran
Earl of Arran
Earl of Arran is a title in both the Peerage of Scotland and the Peerage of Ireland. The two titles refer to different places, the Isle of Arran in Scotland, and the Aran Islands in Ireland...
were among those granted lands at Borrisokane. Arran hill, a townland
Townland
A townland or bally is a small geographical division of land used in Ireland. The townland system is of Gaelic origin—most townlands are believed to pre-date the Norman invasion and most have names derived from the Irish language...
of Borrisokane, is thought likely to be named after the latter.
Local population changes throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have underlined the great social and economic challenges that Ireland as a nation itself faced during these times. The population of the parish in 1831 was 2, 634 and in 1841, it had risen to 3, 175. Due to reasons of famine
Irish famines
A famine is a phenomenon in which a large percentage of the population of a region or country are so undernourished that death by starvation becomes increasingly common.The term Irish famines may refer to:* Irish Famine...
and emigration
Irish diaspora
thumb|Night Train with Reaper by London Irish artist [[Brian Whelan]] from the book Myth of Return, 2007The Irish diaspora consists of Irish emigrants and their descendants in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa,...
, this number has fallen steadily to 1, 145 today.
During the War of Independence
Irish War of Independence
The Irish War of Independence , Anglo-Irish War, Black and Tan War, or Tan War was a guerrilla war mounted by the Irish Republican Army against the British government and its forces in Ireland. It began in January 1919, following the Irish Republic's declaration of independence. Both sides agreed...
, and the Civil War
Irish Civil War
The Irish Civil War was a conflict that accompanied the establishment of the Irish Free State as an entity independent from the United Kingdom within the British Empire....
which followed, Borrisokane was witness to local hostilities. On the 26 June 1920: About 200 IRA
Irish Republican Army
The Irish Republican Army was an Irish republican revolutionary military organisation. It was descended from the Irish Volunteers, an organisation established on 25 November 1913 that staged the Easter Rising in April 1916...
volunteers attacked an RIC
Royal Irish Constabulary
The armed Royal Irish Constabulary was Ireland's major police force for most of the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. A separate civic police force, the unarmed Dublin Metropolitan Police controlled the capital, and the cities of Derry and Belfast, originally with their own police...
barracks at Borrisokane, currently the town's Garda
Garda Síochána
, more commonly referred to as the Gardaí , is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.- Terminology :...
Station. The attack was unsuccessful, but the building was so badly damaged that it was evacuated the next day. One Volunteer was killed in the action, and a plaque commemorates him today as Micheál Ó Cinnéide, Uncle of the former Government Minister Michael O'Kennedy
Michael O'Kennedy
Michael O'Kennedy is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a range of cabinet positions, most notably as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Finance and Irish European Commissioner.-Early life:...
.
The Modreeny
Modreeny
Modreeny is a townland and a civil parish in the historical barony of Ormond Lower, North Tipperary in Ireland. Situated on the R490 between the towns of Borrisokane and Cloughjordan, it is the location of a ruined C19th church, an adjoining cemetery and to the west, remains of a medieval church...
Ambush took place on the 3 June 1921, during the Irish War of Independence
Irish War of Independence
The Irish War of Independence , Anglo-Irish War, Black and Tan War, or Tan War was a guerrilla war mounted by the Irish Republican Army against the British government and its forces in Ireland. It began in January 1919, following the Irish Republic's declaration of independence. Both sides agreed...
. The ambush was an attack on an RIC and Black and Tan
Black and Tans
The Black and Tans was one of two newly recruited bodies, composed largely of British World War I veterans, employed by the Royal Irish Constabulary as Temporary Constables from 1920 to 1921 to suppress revolution in Ireland...
patrol en route to the local Petty Sessions in Borrisokane Courthouse. It was committed by a Flying Column led by Sean Gaynor at Kallegbeg Cross, between Borrisokane and Cloughjordan
Cloughjordan
Cloughjordan, officially Cloghjordan , is a town in North Tipperary in Ireland. It is in the barony of Ormond Lower, and it is also a parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe....
and resulted in the deaths of four RIC/ Black and Tan members.
Later that same day, a branch of the "Munster and Leinster" bank was robbed of £2,000. Borrisokane Courthouse and its jail were also burned.
Local industry
Situated as it is in the Great Plain of Lower Ormond, much of the land around Borrisokane is well suited to farm production. As such, the area has a strong agricultural history which continues to this day.During the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, Borrisokane was an important centre for wheat production. There was an active mill in the town, which was operational from 1810 until about 1940. There seems to have been a brewery at this site also, due to a lane running alongside the now derelict mill named 'Brewers Lane'.
This mill was demolished in April, 2010, an event which caused some local anger.
Popular culture
In his poem, The Faerie QueeneThe Faerie Queene
The Faerie Queene is an incomplete English epic poem by Edmund Spenser. The first half was published in 1590, and a second installment was published in 1596. The Faerie Queene is notable for its form: it was the first work written in Spenserian stanza and is one of the longest poems in the English...
, Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser was an English poet best known for The Faerie Queene, an epic poem and fantastical allegory celebrating the Tudor dynasty and Elizabeth I. He is recognised as one of the premier craftsmen of Modern English verse in its infancy, and one of the greatest poets in the English...
is said to have referred to the local hill of Knockshegowna. Knockshegowna (Irish: Cnoc Sí Úna) translated literally means 'The Hill of Fairy Una'. In Spenser's poem, Úna, the personification of the "True Church" travels with the Redcrosse Knight (who represents England), whom she has recruited to save her parents' castle from a dragon.
Knockshegowna Hill and its supposed fairies is also the subject of R.D. Williams' poem The Fairies of Knockshegowna and The Legend of Knockshegowna by Crofton Croker
In 1930, the David Clarke Memorial Hall was opened in Borrisokane, dedicated to the memory of the town's then most prominent Landlord, David Clarke. The Hall is still used today for the staging of musical and theatrical productions.
2009 saw the opening of Tess Burkes. It has since established itself as a popular live music venue attracting up and coming bands from all over the country.
Sport
GAA Borrisokane GAABorrisokane GAA
Borrisokane GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association hurling and gaelic football club located in the village of Borrisokane, North Tipperary in Ireland. In 2010 they won the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship, it was their second title at the grade with their previous victory coming in...
club is based at Páirc Gairnéir and their colours are Green & White . In 2010 they won the Tipperary County Intermediate Hurling Championship and were unlucky to lose out in the Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship. In 2009, Borrisokaqne won the inaugural North Tipperary Junior C Hurling Championship. This was due in no small part to the leadership provided by team captain Pat Carroll in the mid-field position.
Borrisokane Athletic Club caters for athletes from age 8 to senior and are one of the most successful sports clubs in Ireland. Athletes from this small town club have travelled the world representing their country and can boast over 100 National titles throughout its 30 years. Most recently the clubs success has came from the senior ladies who were crowned National League Champions in 2008.
Horse Racing associated with The Ormond Hunt pack were first held at Borrisokane on the farm of John Reddan at Kylenagoona, near Borrisokane in the year 1863. Meetings were held annually in June, July and August, with most competition being for The Borrisokane Plate. Racing continued here up until the early 1900s when it moved closer to the town. A song, 'The Kylenagoona Races' was composed in reference to Borrisokane's local horse racing.
The town and district are today home to a number of well known equestrian personalities including former Irish champion jockey turned Racehorse Trainer Charlie Swan who lives in nearby Cloughjordan
Cloughjordan
Cloughjordan, officially Cloghjordan , is a town in North Tipperary in Ireland. It is in the barony of Ormond Lower, and it is also a parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe....
.
Buildings of note
Whilst there are other buildings of architectural interest in and around Borrisokane, the following are featured in 'An Introduction To The Architectural Heritage Of North Tipperary' and on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage website- Semi-detached houses with integral arch, Main St. (c1800) Pair of semi-detached three storey houses with integral carriage arch.
- Water Mill, Mill St. (c1810) Two four storey blocks. (Demolished Friday 30th April 2010 20:00pm)
- Church of Ireland church, Main St. (1812) Single-cell Board of First FruitsBoard of First FruitsThe Board of First Fruits was an institution of the Church of Ireland that was established in 1711 by Anne, Queen of Great Britain in order to build and improve churches and glebe houses in Ireland. This was funded from taxes collected on clerical incomes which were in turn funded by tithes...
church. - Former miller’s house. Mill St. (c1815) Three bay two-storey house attached to mill.
- The Terrace, Nenagh Rd. (c1815) Two pairs of semi-detached houses and a detached house, two storey over basement.
- Old Church Centre, Mill St. (1839) Cruciform plan gable fronted former church.
- Borrisokane Courthouse and College. (c1850) Former Workhouse and courtyards.
- Methodist Chapel, Main St. (1868) Gable fronted single cell church.
- David Clarke Hall, Mill St. (c1930) Gable-fronted memorial hall.
Notable residents, past and present
- Eugene EsmondeEugene EsmondeLieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde VC DSO, F/Lt, RAF, Lt-Cdr RN was a distinguished pilot who was a posthumous recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy awarded to members of Commonwealth forces...
, recipient of the Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
for his efforts during World War II (lived at DrominaghDrominagh, North TipperaryDrominagh is a townland in the Barony of Ormond Lower, North Tipperary, Ireland. It is located in the Civil Parish of Terryglass, near Borrisokane. It is here that the Ballyfinboy River enters Lough Derg...
) - Sir William Bernard HickieWilliam Bernard HickieSir William Bernard Hickie was an Irish born Major General of the British Army and an Irish nationalist politician....
, British Major General and Irish Nationalist Politician (lived at SlevoirSlevoir, North TipperarySlevoir is a townland in the Barony of Ormond Lower, North Tipperary, Ireland. It is located in the Civil Parish of Terryglass overlooking Slevoir Bay, the most north-eastern part of Lough Derg...
) - Capt. Sir Alan HillgarthAlan HillgarthCaptain Sir Alan Hugh Hillgarth Bt, OBE was a British adventure novelist and member of the intelligence services, perhaps best known for his activities in Spain during and following the Spanish Civil War. Hillgarth appears as one the actual historical figures in C. J...
, British born novelist and intelligence agent (lived at Gortnalougha) - Rex IngramRex Ingram (director)Rex Ingram was an Irish film director, producer, writer and actor. Legendary director Erich von Stroheim once called him "the world's greatest director."-Early life:...
, film director, lived at The Old Rectory - Mary Anne Estévez, née Phelan, mother of Martin SheenMartin SheenRamón Gerardo Antonio Estévez , better known by his stage name Martin Sheen, is an American film actor best known for his performances in the films Badlands and Apocalypse Now , and in the television series The West Wing from 1999 to 2006.He is considered one of the best actors never to be...
- Dominic WestDominic WestDominic Gerard Fe West is an English actor best known for his role as Detective Jimmy McNulty in the HBO drama series The Wire.-Film and TV:...
, English actor who starred in The WireThe WIREthe WIRE is the student-run College radio station at the University of Oklahoma, broadcasting in a freeform format. The WIRE serves the University of Oklahoma and surrounding communities, and is staffed by student DJs. The WIRE broadcasts at 1710 kHz AM in Norman, Oklahoma... - John Francis Waller, composer of The Spinning Wheel
- Charlie Swan, Racehorse trainer and former Champion Jockey (born and still lives at Modreeney)
- Owen McKenna and Ger McKenna, greyhound trainers
- Séamus Gardiner, former President of the GAA
- Sir Henry Givens BurgessHenry Givens BurgessHenry Givens Burgess PC was an Irish railway executive and politician.Burgess was born at Finnoe House, County Tipperary. He joined the Dublin and South Eastern Railway as a junior clerk in 1873. In 1878 he transferred to the London and North Western Railway, which also operated in Ireland, with...
, Irish Railway Executive and Politician (lived at FinnoeFinnoe, North TipperaryFinnoe is a civil parish in the barony of Ormond Lower, North Tipperary, Ireland. It is located close to Borrisokane....
House) - Frank CorcoranFrank CorcoranFrank Corcoran is an Irish composer. His output includes chamber, symphonic, choral and electro-acoustic music, through which he explores particularly Irish issues like language and history...
, Irish composer, born and lived at KilfaddaKilfadda, North TipperaryKilfadda is a townland in the Barony of Ormond Lower, North Tipperary, Ireland. It is located in the Civil Parish of Aglishcloghane close to Borrisokane....
House - Frederick Trench, 1st Baron Ashtown (lived at Sopwell hall)
- Áine MinogueÁine MinogueÁine Minogue is a harpist born in Borrisokane, County Tipperary, Ireland, now living in New England in the U.S.A. She began playing the harp at age twelve.- Discography :*Were You at the Ro *The Mysts of Time...
, harpist born in Borrisokane, now living in the U.S.A. - Ian O'Brien, originally from CarrickbegCarrickbegCarrickbeg is a village on the County Waterford side of the Waterford-Tipperary border in southern Ireland. Carrickbeg comprises that part of the town of Carrick-on-Suir on the southern side of the River Suir and hence in County Waterford.-History:...
.
Location
See also
- List of civil parishes of North Tipperary
- List of towns and villages in the Republic of Ireland