Bushfield, Charlestown, Co. Mayo
Top photograph provided by R.Lynch Aug 2021, via E. Timoney. Remainder of photographs and information provided by E. O'Brien, August 2012 This alley is included on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage in 2010
The handball alley is located at Bushfield, Charlestown, County Mayo. The original alley was in use circa 1870. The present alley was built on the same site – but faced in the opposite direction, in the early 1930’s. The late Thomas O’Brien purchased the land on which the ball alley is built in 1930. He donated the additional land required for the new alley. The alley was played in extensively until very recently. It is now very much in need of repair to preserve it as part of our heritage. It is a landmark in the townland of Tomboholla (Bushfield); it must be preserved and not replaced." E. O'Brien
2 comments:
Although I grew up in Dublin, this Alley at Bushfield has a particular resonance, my mother leaves near here and one of my early visits is connected to this alley.
This the culprit cast concrete alley, which started me off on this journey of informal meeting spaces, borders and boundries ...
http://vernacularconsequences.wordpress.com/category/the-handball-project/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aduggan/sets/72157629482378237/
I lived in the next village names Carn. This was our meeting spot every Sunday and on Friday night during the 60's and 70's. Many love affairs started in and behind the Alley. I wish it was fixed up by the Heritage Council so the young people can make more memories. The girls didn't play but my 4 brothers spent every moment waiting for their turn on a Sunday afternoon. Mary Molloy née McDonnell
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