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Caheroyan to most of the residents of Athenry represents probably the largest residential area in Athenry.  But to a few hardy annuals, Caheroyan, at one time consisted of a line of cottages outside the Northgate. The cottages have changed very little since they were built in 1906.  This is a good thing because they are a lovely row of little houses.  In fact they were once described to me by an overseas visitored as being “a very pretty row of houses”.  On commenting on the condition of the houses, the present residents, many whom are direct descendants of the original owners, have to be complemented on their beautiful front gardens.

For the record this is a list of the original owners: KEATINGS (Family still there), KILKELLYS (Family still there), BURKES (Mary Delaney’s family), ROONEYS (Kevin Connolly’s family), NILANDS (Family still there), TIERNEYS (Family still there), DONOHUE (No connection known), MULKERINS (No connection known), WHITE (Joe and Noel Flannery’s grandad), FLANAGAN (My own grandmother’s folk), NEWALL (No Connection known), MULKERINS (Family still there), REILLYS (Sandra Fishers grandparents), KENNYS (Family still there), KENNEDYS (Monsie Kennedys folks).

As I have already mentioned, the houses were built in 1906, and were each built on one acre of ground.  The annuity on the properties at that time was the magnificent sum of £3 but I have no doubt that for a lot of the families living there it would have been hard to come by. I remember my granduncle, Jim Barrett, telling me that around the time the houses were built he was offered a field outside the town for ten shillings but he could not afford it.  So the three pounds would have been a fair big sum of money.  However, the residents of Caheroyan were a hardy, resilient folk, so they managed to get by.

It would be a wish of mine that Caheroyan would retain its old world character for as long as possible.
In finishing, I would like to thank Theresa and Greta Kenny and Mr Pat Flannery of Cullairbaun for their help.

See: Caheroyan Brighter Homes Exhibition 1909

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Written by Juno Barrett

Published here 08 Feb 2021 and originally published August 1995

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