Long ago in Newmarket on fergus

Photos and stories from the history of Newmarket on Fergus parish. The people, places and stuff that happened. And how it connects us to the whole wide world.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

I was just leaving through an old copy of Tradrai magazine from 1992. The most striking thing is to see how many local businesses of that era have ceased to exist.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Here’s a thing which no longer exists- the Mass Rock in Ballynacragga. Used regularly during 1650-1750 when the Catholic religion was being repressed. Photo c.1935, includes John McMahon on right. The townland, just northwest of our village has since been bisected by the motorway

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Now available these unique Christmas cards celebrating Newmarket on Fergus and Co. Clare. Send text or WhatsApp for pricing and to order. 086 8035319

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Another pic of Michael D, from 1959 with his pals. He is 2nd right, but the guy 2nd left also has a claim to fame. Sean Shanagher subsequently joined the Irish army. Two years later he was in the Congo & fought the SIEGE OF JADOTVILLE, wherein 156 men held off onslaught by 3000.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

As his Presidency draws to a close, here's Michael D. Higgins 75 years ago (1950) when he was a pupil at Ballycar N.S. He's the boy in the middle.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

1935, on tour in Killarney, we have Vincent O'Connell on the right. He owned a shop in Newmarket & also drove a taxi. Left is Sean Murnane who was a key man locally during the War of Independence. Children are Peggy Murnane and John, who became a priest. (Photo: Timmy O'Connell)

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Available in all sizes and 3 colours, I'll have a full range of other designs celebrating the History of County Clare. Also available books and posters. T Shirt costs 25 euro and can be ordered for free local delivery from [email protected] or 086 8035319.
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[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Introducing... a new T Shirt featuring Newmarket in 1703! Showing the oldest map of the village, when it was quite tiny but nonetheless had some industry in the form of two Mills. T Shirt will be launched this Sunday at the Newmarket On Fergus Show where I will have a stall.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

The O’Briens of Dromoland in 1880. Ellen (née White) & Edward Donough, with children Donough, Moira, Clare, Eileen & (perched top right) Maud. They were aged 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 (O’Brien had already four children from his 1st marriage and this 2nd union was blessed with ten…😀)

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

this link. https://t.co/PIdeP7UD6j

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

There is nowhere on this planet can compare with Co. Clare for the incredible range of our historical sites … & with the number of them which have cows running freely amidst the ancient stonework..
To wit, I have designed a T Shirt. Check it & 4 more on a Clare History theme at

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Domestic servants at Dromoland in 1873. Butler, footman, house boy & a hierarchy of maids, mostly born in England. It was a requirement they be ‘clean in their person’ & Protestant. Workers on the estate farm however, & the lowest class of servant- skivvies, were Catholic. 😀

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

In the days before Netflix, before even television, there was a huge audience for Cinema and Newmarket had a thriving one. Run by the Murray family, it was located behind the Tradaree building on a site which is now an apartment block. Here's a copy of the program from Jan 1962.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

long since disappeared. The mill house however and its rapidly roaring waterfall is still very much intact, centuries later.

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

One of our oldest surviving places of Industry is this Mill in Ballycar. It appears on a 1658 map & might well be a lot older. Situated on what was then the main road from Limerick to Ennis/Galway, it was owned by the McNamaras of nearby Ballycar Castle. That building however has

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

@LouiseH86 @a_martin33 https://t.co/8mWRIxsB3R

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Greetings from the ruin of Mogullaan House, one of the most obscure Treasures in our parish but once the Bishop’s Palace and a place frequented by Daniel O’Connell. The pic/poster makes an ideal last minute Xmas gift. Contact Colm 086 8035319

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

A place featured on this Newmarket history poster is the secluded spot where John Reilly was executed during the War of Independence. Although suspected of spying, he was almost certainly innocent and set up. To order a copy or framed, text Colm Liddy 086 8035319

[Long ago in Newmarket on fergus @AgoFergus]

Still a few copies available of my books about the history of this parish. They make an ideal Christmas gift. Contact Colm Liddy 086 8035319