Cappyroe
The Civil Parish of Geashill is the largest Parish in Offaly, and contains 74 townlands. As well as fine fields and bog land – dark, shale and lime mudstone, are just some of the materials you will find in its bedrocks.
The Parish is part of the ancient territory of “Ui Failghe of the O’Connor chiefs”. It contains some of the oldest remains of castles and is rich in history. From ancient sites such as Enclosures and Ringforts. Sadly many of them have been lost due to nature elements and neglect. It contains the town land of Cappyroe which borders the Grand Canal line, it is the 293rd largest townland in Co. Offaly and in Irish is Ceapach Aodha Rua, translation meaning Plot of Land[2].
Map of the townlands from Ballycommon to Tullamore. There are over 1,000 townlands in Offaly. See townlands.ie for more. Your walk along the canal from Ballycommon will see you visit Cappyroe, Clonmore and Cappancur
| Townland | Area | Pop. in 1841 | Pop.in 1851 | No. of Houses in 1841 | No. of Houses in 1851 | Pop. in 1871 | Pop. in 1911 | No. of Houses in 1871 | No. of Houses in 1911 |
| Cappyroe | 548 | 106 | 109 | 19 | 16 | 33 | 21 | 7 | 6 |
(06. Cappyroe census Ireland 1911, Image Source www.census.nationalarchives)
In 1911 Cappyroe had one of the lowest concentration of houses in the area, during this period the household returns and ancillary, shows us that the population decreased from 106 in 1841 to 21 in 1911. There were 6 houses on record, all of all of Private Dwelling, with all inhabited, with classes of houses between 1st and 2nd . Age of occupiers ranging from 1-80. Here are the families that occupied these buildings during this time:
| Class of House | Surname | Religion | Occupation in House | Family members |
| 3rd | Buckley/Carroll | RC | Farmer/ Agricultural Labourer | 2 |
| 2rd | Gallagher/Whitla | RC | Farmer | 5 |
| 3rd | Gorry/Behan/Stackpool | RC | Farmer/ Dressmaker | 6 |
| 3nd | Brien/Malone | RC | Farmer / Farmer Servant | 5 |
| 3nd | Dunne/O’Deill | RC | Farmer /Farm Labourer | 6 |
| Moran | RC | Lock Keeper | 6 |
(07. Cappyroe Lock Keeper. Census Ireland 1911, Image Source www.census.nationalarchives)
As we make our way along the line, we come to lock 22nd, which was previously mentioned in the last series of “East to West”. The 23rd Lock is followed close behind. A smooth and clear pathway can be found, making it easy to walk or cycle along the way. Coming up we see the 24th Lock. This lock is located near the former Celtic Canal Cruisers. We are preparing an article on this canal attraction, 1974-2004.
(08. Celtic Canal Cruisers / Image Source/ Offaly History). We are preparing a blog on this important cruise line. Can you help with material?
Clonmore/Colehill (Cappancur)
Clonmore
Clonmore (Cappancur), in the Civil Parish of Geashill, in the Barony of Geashill, in the County of Offaly. The Irish name for Clonmore is Cluain Mór meaning Great Field.
Clonmore is the site of a few known churches the Balleenlawn Church that stood until the early 19th century. Its Foundation, was discovered in 1942. It also contained an old graveyard that is still intact today[3].
(11. Clonmore ,Source: Townlands.ie)
| Townland | Area | Pop.in 1841 | Pop. in 1851 | No. of Houses in 1841 | No. of Houses in 1851 | Pop. in 1871 | Pop. in 1911 | No. of Houses in 1871 | No. of Houses in 1911 |
| Clonmore | 708 | 220 | 173 | 40 | 34 | 110 | 101 | 24 | 26 |
(13. Clonmore census Ireland 1911, Image Source www.census.nationalarchives)
In 1911 Clonmore had 26 houses in the area, during this period the household returns and ancillary, shows us that the population decreased from 220 in 1841 to 101 in 1911. There was 26 houses show on record all of all of Private Dwelling, with all inhabited, with classes of houses between 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Age ranging from 1-80. Here are some of the families that occupied these buildings during this time:
| Class of House | Surname | Religion | Occupation in House | Family members |
| 2nd | McNamara | RC | Farmer | 5 |
| 2rd | Quinn | RC | Tailor | 10 |
| 3rd | Walsh | RC | Farmer | 6 |
| 2nd | Mc Namee | RC | Labourer | 8 |
| 3nd | Heavey | RC | Herd | 3 |
| 2nd | Wyer | RC | Farmer | 8 |
(14. Clonmore Census Record 1911, Image Source www.census.nationalarchives)
(15.Coachman, source Travel and Transport in Ireland, Edited by Kevin B.Nowlan)
With the construction of the Grand Canal it provided a better connection to reach different townlands around the country. With many place still not connected by waterway, the coach services provided that connect for passengers to reach their final destinations.
As we make our way out of the Geashill Civil Parish, we reach the 25th Lock and Just at Digby Bridge, here we can see just the spire of Tullamore’s Catholic church. Close by is the 26th lock, the barony bridge with its passage under the canal and on to Tullamore. More on Wednesday.
[1] See “Safe Harbour, The Grand Canal at Edenderry” Mairead Evans & Therese Abbott” Topic Newsppapers Ltd, P22-23
[2] Offaly thought Time & Its Townlands. Thomas Lee. Pub: Ottait Publishing p173
[3] Offaly thought Time & Its Townlands. Thomas Lee. Pub: Ottait Publishing p173
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