LATEST: Thirteen levels of scaffolding needed for Tipperary restoration project

The works to Copper Steeple in Ballingarry are now complete.

Thank you to Tom Pollard and Noel O’Shaughnessy who have used great skill to give the Steeple back its true form.

Their respect for and knowledge of old masonry saw them using the traditional materials and techniques as used by Kennys the Masons.

Thank you to Gavin Coleman of Southern Access and his team of expert scaffolders with a special interest in tall structures.

They ensured that Tom and Noel had access to all the areas they wanted to reach via 13 levels of scaffolding. Many thanks to Patsy Maher and Séamus Kealy, who both gave freely of their expertise.

With the project complete Patsy’s access road and hard-standing round the base of the steeple look as fresh and level as they were the day they were put down.

Séamus agreed to manage the project, because there was so much to organise and requirements that must be followed.

This all starts long before anything happens on the site and his ability to steer the project has been incredible.

Special Thanks to the McGrath family and their dairy herd who gave us free access to the steeple and accommodated all the requirements for the project and the all comings and goings.

To everyone who contributed through idonate or at any of the many events held during the summer Thank You.

This community support, the Community Heritage Grant, and a lot of effort have Copper Steeple ready to stand tall in memory of the miners and as the Beacon to our Coal Mining Past.