BIG READ: Templemore shines bright as historic gas lamps return home to the town

The iconic gas lamps that once lit up Templemore's Main Street are shining once again above Foley's Pub, across from the renovated Town Hall.

With roots tracing back to the 1890s, the lamps have been lovingly restored thanks to a collaboration between Tipperary County Council, Templemore Community Development Association, and local residents.

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Their return is seen as a celebration of the town's rich heritage, with hopes to form a Civic Trust to preserve such historical treasures.

As you take a wander through Templemore please take a moment to stop outside Foley’s public house on the Main Street which is directly opposite our superbly, recently renovated, Town Hall.

Above the main door you will easily spot two magnificent lamps which have quite a tale to tell.

Thanks to all those who have preserved our history and saved or collected old photos over the years, Templemore has a rich collection of material in relation to its days of yore.

Among them is a brilliant black and white photograph of the eastern end of the Town Square taken from the top of present day Bank Street in the 1890s.

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Clearly visible in the photo are the original gas lamps with Mullally’s hotel displayed on the glass. Edward Mullally and his family ran a hotel here from the late 1880s right through until the late 1920s.

The lamps were later purchased by the Maher (Anthony) family and remained in their possession for many years. They then donated the lamps to the local Tidy Towns who in turn passed them onto the Town Hall where they hung for a number of years.

Following remedial works to the Town Hall in recent years the lamps fell into poor repair and were removed to the local Council yard.

As part of the recent renovation works on the Town Hall an agreement was reached between Tipperary County Council, Templemore Community Development Association and Adrian Foley to relocate the lamps at their original home.

The Council kindly offered to fund the restoration of the lamps which was carefully completed by Cusack Copper and Brass in Capparoe. Adrian and his team then carefully re-erected the lamps and almost 140 years later the lamps shine bright once more on the streets of Templemore.

It is a truly remarkable story of what can be done when the will is there and all parties involved can be proud of their efforts.

The hope is that the lamps will now become property of the town of Templemore and in the coming months, a Civic Trust, in conjunction with the Council, will be developed for Templemore to protect such items of interest.