Refurbished courthouse a jewel in Shillelagh's crown
Still, it has to be acknowledged that the ermined upper crust at least left the village with a most striking architectural heritage. And a central part of the old legacy has been enthusiastically taken up by the citizens of the 21st century with refurbishment of the old courthouse, now concluded.
Sometimes known in the past as the town hall, the building remains one of the most striking in Shillelagh more than a century after it was constructed. Though deserted six years ago by the legal professions, it now it has a new lease of life as a community centre and a very striking community centre at that.
The Wicklow People' reported completion of the structure by the Earl's work-force in 1893, noting excitedly that Shillelagh had thus been provided with a hall capable of holding any meeting, dance or other indoor amusement. So the notion of staging solemn trials and popular titivations under the one roof is by no means a new one, it appears.
According to the newspaper there are few villages in Ireland can boast a structure to equal it.' Milt's clock tower has not been forgotten. The viscount's prezzie will soon be telling the time to all and sundry once more, when English specialist Julian Cosby (who has a brother resident in Aughrim) has worked his magic on the old mechanism.
Shillelagh People's Property is now under the chairwomanship of Deirdre Minogue, with Pauline Sans as secretary. Anyone wishing to book this magnificent hall should make themselves known to Deirdre Dalton at 0402-38302. The caretaker is Brian Johnson.
