“Land of the yet tree” is how Terenure was known. This Dublin 6 area now stands before us. The story of Terenure Ward 1946 is a journey through time. It’s a story of lands gifted and industries thriving.
Terenure was once part of a large land parcel. King John gifted it to the Barnewell family in 1215. Drimnagh Castle became the headquarters of their holdings. After Cromwell’s confiscation, the Talbot family gained ownership. They also possessed Templeogue House and Malahide Castle.
In the 1700s, Joseph Deane bought the acres for £4,000. Deane was a University of Dublin graduate. He also represented County Dublin in the Irish House of Parliament. He later became Chief Baron of the Exchequer. This powerful position was like a one-man Supreme Court.
Abraham Wilkinson purchased the lands in 1785. He then leased Terenure College to Robert Shaw. Shaw descended from William Shaw. William was a general for William of Orange during The Battle of the Boyne. This connection brought Shaw’s family power and wealth.
The Carmelite order purchased the house in 1860. Soon after, they began educating boys. A major extension to the college occurred in 1958. This included increasing hall and classroom space. It also included building a fine chapel.
During 1946, Dublin experienced a harvest crisis. Bad weather threatened the crops. People feared winter food shortages after the Second World War. Dubliners left their jobs to help save the harvest. Over 5,000 harvest volunteers departed for six counties. Businesses closed to release employees for field work. Grocery shops in South Dublin closed on Monday. North Dublin shops closed on Tuesday. Dun Laoghaire shops closed on Wednesday.
The Ever Ready Battery Co. paid employees to do harvest work. The Abbey Confectionery Co. closed for the week. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce encouraged employees to volunteer. Loudspeaker police cars called for helpers. Officials said the response was magnificent. The Irish Red Cross prepared about 24,000 sandwiches.
Mike Murphy was born in Terenure in 1941. He became an Irish broadcasting legend. He began his radio career in 1965. From 1979 to 1982, he presented the radio show “Morning Call”. His TV successes included “Murphy’s Micro Quiz” and “Winning Streak”.
Terenure evolved from Barnewell’s developments. It became a place to live and work. Now, Terenure offers various cuisines and public houses. It invites everyone to rewind and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. This ward carries echoes of Dublin’s past. It connects us to stories of ownership, education, and community spirit.