Offaly's oldest turret clock and hurley focus of upcoming talks
Shinrone Heritage Group has two unique talks during Heritage Week, centring on Offaly's oldest turret clock and hurley.
On Tuesday, August 15th, Nigel Barnes, a fifth generation clock-maker, will be exploring the history and development of timekeeping in Ireland.
It turns out that Shinrone has Offaly’s oldest working turret clock dating from 1820. It was made by the famous Dublin horologist Christopher Sharp for the newly built St Mary's Church of Ireland.
For some two hundred years, it has overlooked the village, regulating the social, economic and religious lives of generations of 'Shinroners'.
“The clock movement is a great big hulk of wrought iron and brass, all made by hand. It is a real warren of cogs, teeth, springs and moving parts working together to keep time,” Ger Murphy noted.
He added you cannot but admire the engineering skills of clock-makers two centuries ago, using hand tools and craft skills to create these huge mechanical wonders.
Time had taken its toll on St Mary’s Clock and it has just undergone a detailed restoration in the hands of Nigel, who like his ancestors completed the works by hand. As such the ‘Tick-Tock has been put back in the community Clock!’
Nigel’s talk will be held on Tuesday, August 15 at 7.30pm in Shinrone Community Centre.
Noted GAA historian Professor Paul Rouse will be taking everyone on ‘A Photographic History of Hurling’ on Wednesday, August 16.
This wonderful talk will also include the Shinrone Hurl, one of Offaly’s oldest examples. Made in the 1880s by Martin Fennell for club player Billy Barry, it has suffered considerable insect damage many years ago.
"The hurl in recent years has been in the safe keeping of Shinrone National School Museum and it was decided to have this important part of our sporting past conserved for future generations to enjoy," Ger Murphy said.
"The Hurley has recently undergone sensitive conservation with Sven Habermann, one of Ireland's foremost wood conservators based in Letterfrack, Galway."
Professor Rouse's talk is also at 7.30pm in Shinrone Community Centre on Wednesday, August 16.
"The conservation of the clock and hurl would not have happened but for the wonderful support from the wider Shinrone community, and generous support of Offaly County Council's Creative Ireland Fund," added Ger Murphy.
Shinrone Heritage Group is keen to welcome everyone to both events and light refreshments will be on hand. Further information from Ger Murphy on clareenhouse@hotmail.com / 087 101 5991.