In
recent times decorative ironwork pieces have been destroyed or removed from
commercial and private houses in Dungarvan and Abbeyside. These include window
guards, foot scrapers, railings, and an impressive weathervane from the Old
Market House in Lower Main Street. Fortunately, the weathervane, which was made
by MacFarlane’s foundry has been restored and preserved by the council. The
other items were not so fortunate and survive only in photographs. A selection
of lost ironwork is reproduced here.
Weathervane by MacFarlane’s which once decorated the
roof of the Old Market House
Cast-iron letters by MacFarlane’s which once decorated
the facade of the Old Market House, Main Street. The lettering ‘Robert A.
Merry, Wine Merchants’ was removed in the early 1980s when the building was
converted for a Library/Museum.
Entrance gate St
Augustine’s Abbeyside c.1900. Removed in mid- 20th century Image:
N.L.I.
Cornice and brackets, the bandstand, Dungarvan Park,
destroyed through vandalism in the 1980s.
Gate and railings, Convent of Mercy, Church Street stamped: Perrot - Cork.
Removed during demolition of the convent and
construction of new dwelling houses.
Porch with cast-iron work by MacFarlane’s, Mountain
View House, Dungarvan
Demolished early 2000s