Clogher House

Clogher House, built in 1770 was the home of the old Landlords, Patrick Lynch.  It was set in 640 acres of land and was a 28 roomed dwelling incorporating a library and chapel. The Lynches were popular landlords. The last of the Lynches,Marcella,  married Major Crean, who came from Hollybrook outside Claremorris, in the 1840’s.   He was a ruthless landlord and was hated by his tenants unlike his predecessors. 

The original house was a three story building and was roofed with flags called Greek flags and was situated on an elevated site. In January 1829, on a night known as the night of the big wind the house was damaged in a ferocious storm and was left roofless.  The house was modernised as a result.

Helena Mary Crean, who had inherited the estate from her father, married James Fitzgerald Kenny around 1870. He had come from Kiltyclogher in Co. Galway.  He died prematurely after only seven years of marriage.  The Fitzgerald Kenny’s had five children, the eldest being Henry. Master Harry, as he was known, inherited the house and estate. Having been orphaned at an early age he grew up wild and conceited. Like most of the aristocracy he was fond of horses and loved hunting, racing and drinking.

On one occasion he met with Captain Blake from Towerhill. A row ensued and Master Harry was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The cause of his death was never established. Some say it was due to a fall from his horse, while others maintain that it was related to the incident earlier in Carnacon. He was only 23yrs of age.

James, the youngest of the family, was a brilliant lawyer and the most famous of the family. He was well liked by his neighbours and loved to argue the toss with them. He was held in high regard by all and would do anything to help out his neighbours.

James Fitzgerald was elected to Dail Eireann as a Cumann na nGaedheal candidate in 1927. He was soon to be appointed Minister for Justice, replacing Kevin O Higgins ,who had been shot.  Later in that same year there was another election and he was re-elected.  He spent 16years as a public representative from 1927 to 1943. Joe Blowick from Belcarra, who would became Minister for Lands, eventually defeated him.

Fitzgerald Kenny died in 1956 and was buried in the family plot in Drum Graveyard. Though Fitzgerald Kenny was perceived to be well off, he never made much money on land or politics, and on his death his liquid assets were few. All his wealth was in property.

The house and estate were sold to a timber merchant in the late 1960′s.In 1970, it sadly caught fire and was burnt down,thus ending and era in history.The Land Commission took over the estate and it was divided locally.