Churchtown's History
Hedge School Commemoration

On Saturday, 7th August, 2004, a re-enactment of the Hedge School's took place in Ballygrace, Churchtown.

Organised by Noel Lenihan, he deserves the highest praise for his programme of events, which included a talk on the Flora and Fauna of the area, a demonstration of the Geology of the area, a display of Rush Work, the collection of Hazel and Willow for thatching purposes and a description of Ballygrace.

The re-enactment of the hedge school scenes by the school children was wonderful, particularly such scenes as the arrival of the schoolmaster and pupils with their slates and chalk at the hedge school. Scenes when many learning exercises were in progress at the school in Ballygrace were very well re-enacted as was Raftery the Poet with Michael Foley, Ballyhea, doing the honours.

A talk on the history of the Hedge Schools was delivered by Denis Hickey who had this subject very well researched. Talks on the Penal Times in Ireland were delivered by Rev. Denis O'Callaghan and Rev. Fr. Robert Ford. Historian Liam Irwin, Co. Limerick, delivered a great talk on Penal Times, Mass Rocks, Hedge Schools etc.

Music on the scene at Ballygrace was most impressive with a Piper, Emma Murphy, Mallow, playing traditional airs as she led the Schoolmaster and his Pupils on the roadway to the hedge school. The singing of songs from the era was by Tim Lyons, Ballingarry, and Daithì O'Riordàin, Granagh. Jim singing the songs in English and Daithì singing in Irish.

There was a big attendance at the Hedge School re-enactment in Ballygrace. It was a wonderful setting. Even on the evening as the high winds raced across the valley we were sheltered by the tall trees growing around the Hedge School.

After the two hour programme at Ballygrace it was time for the traditional evening of music and song at Boss Murphy's in Churchtown with Noel Lenihan presenting the show and also supplying the sound.

The Vale Star,
Thursday, 12th August, 2004.

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Here are a selection of pictures from the event ... please excuse the quality of the pictures as we were operating in the dark (nothing new!) with no flash. At least they give an idea of what the evening was like. Thank you for your interest.