The History of Granard Town
Contributed by Bill Bennett, Ardgullion, Granard.
Granard is one of the largest towns in the county of Longford. It is situated in the north of the County close to the Cavan border.
 The town is famous for the large Motte and Bailey built by Richard Tuite in 1190. It is the largest Motte in Ireland - some 543 feet above sea level. Beautiful views over nine counties, five lakes and numerous rivers can be enjoyed from there on a fine day.
Granard is an old market town dating back to the charter of James I. Today Granard is a modern sub-regional centre on the N55, which links with the N4 in Edgeworthtown.
The remains of the Buttermarket can still be seen in Market Street and the market house, where once oats and potatoes were traded, now houses the local library, courtrooms and also the Town Commissioners meeting.
Traditional monthly cattle fairs, were held on Main Street. Pigs were sold weekly and turkeys and geese at Christmas.
The fairs were replaced by a purpose built Cattle Mart in the 1970's, At the end of the swinging sixties, people were better educated with the advent of secondary education.
A branch of Macra na Feirne was formed in Kilsonna school and later moved into Granard. Granard Macra was supported by young peple from all walks of life. The club competed with success and distinction in the many Macra competitions, up to national level. some of its members made distinguished careers in farming and cattle breeding circles. Granard agricultural Show celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000.
Granard's history is varied and colourful. Many battles were fought here (236 & 467).
Queen Meave stayed here as she travelled with her army on her quest for the Brown Bull of Cooley. (Tain Bo Cuailgne). St Patrick founded a church about 3 miles away and installed Guasacht as bishop (see Abbeylara).
After the battle of Clontarf (1014) The O'Farrells set up headquarters at the site of the present town of Longford. After the slaying of the last of the Ui Cairbre Chiefs in 1161, the O'Farrells became chieftains in the Granard area.
Richard Tuite, a Norman, was granted the lands around Granard by Henry II and thus diminishing the power of the O'Farrells. Tuite built the Motte and the Bailey in 1199 Granard Castle was built later. Monks were invited by Tuite to build an abbey near Abbeylara. Tuite was buried in the Abbey's graveyard, after he was killed by a piece of falling masonry in Athlone Castle. The town of Granardkille was sacked by Edward Bruce in 1315 and abandoned by the villagers.
The present town of Granard began to be built in the second half of the 14th century and became an important town. In 1612 James I gave permission for annual fairs to be held and in 1678 Charles II granted a charter to the town to return 2 members of parliament. This privilege was lost with the enactment of the act of union in 1800
 Kitty Kiernan
 Kitty Kiernan was born in Granard in 1892. She died in Dublin in 1945. She is probably the best known Granard person in history. Her life story is forever linked with Michael Collins, whom she first met in May 1917, when he and Harry Boland first stayed at the Greville Arms - the hotel owned by her brother Larry - during a by-election in Co. Longford. They kept up a lengthy correspondence and while Collins was in London during the Treaty negotiations, he wroteto her every day. These letters are the subject of a book written by Leon O'Brion entitled "In Great Haste".
Kitty always worried about Michael and her worst fears were realised when he was assassinated at Beal na Blath on 22 August 1922. Kitty married Felix Cronin in 1925. She died in 1945 and lies buried in Glasnevin Cemetary in Dublin.
The story of her friendship with Michael Collins is part of a film made about Collins' life, called "The Big Fellow". It was filmed in Dublin and Kitty is played by Julia Roberts and Michael is played by Liam Neesen.
Kiernan met Michael Collins in May 1917 when he stayed at the Greville Arms with Harry Boland, his friend and fellow worker, during the by-election campaign in Co Longford. Both Collins and Boland were smitten by the charming and vivacious Kitty, but it was to Collins that she became engaged. Michael Collins, who was one of the principal founders of the state, became a regular visitor to Granard between 1917 and 1922.
They kept up a lengthy correspondence and while Collins was in London during the Treaty negotiations, he wrote to her everyday. These letters are the subject of a book written by Leon O'Broin entitled "In Great Haste". Kitty worst fears were realized when Michael Collins was assassinated at the age of 31 near Beal na Blath, County Cork, on August 22, 1922.
Tourism
Granard is an ideal headquarters for people wanting to fish. It is surrounded by lakes and rivers. Many of them within 3 miles of the town. People who want to walk and enjoy nature are also well catered for as many roads around North County Longford are quiet country roads.
There also is a woodland area near Dring along the shores of Lough Gowna. It is at present being rejuvinated, as it has been neglected for a long time.There are lovely views over the lake with its reedbeds and large variety of waterbirds.
Granards and its environs have a good infrastructure to attract and entertain visitors. There are many excelent Guesthouses, B&B's, restaurants etc.
Granard Activities
There are many events which include horses and ponies.Even as far back as 1873 there were steeplechases in and around Granard. There are still regular Hunts, Point to Point races, Hunter Trials, Pony Derbies and an Agricultural show.Eddie Macken (showjumper) and Frank Berry (former Jockey and now trainer) were born in the area.
Granard Attractions
-
Higginstown Sports complex
-
Pitch and Putt
-
Tennis Club
-
Clay Pigeon Shooting (Granard Gun Club)
-
Greyhound Racing (Longford,Mullingar)
-
Water ski Club (Granard Dernaferst, Lough Gowna)
-
Golf (Many courses within easy reach)
-
Cycling (Lake and Castle Trails)
-
Annual Harp Festival (A time of craic agus cheoil)
When visiting Granard, you will enjoy yourself !
For further and more elaborate information consult the brochure "Granard" as published by the Granard Regional Development Office, Main Street, Granard Co Longford.
Phone: 043 86922.
International: 353 43 86922.
|
