Draft:Glenary Village

Glenary Village was a small community where Irish was spoken, located in the Glenary Valley, surrounded by the picturesque Comeragh Mountains in Clonmel, County Tipperary. It is believed that at its height, around 200 people lived in the village. The last person to live there left in March 1955, marking the conclusion of a major chapter for this once-thriving community.

Geographic and Cultural Context

Glenary was located in an area known for its rugged environment and stunning views, as part of the larger Gaeltacht region where the Irish language was historically spoken. The approximate location of the village can be identified at the grid reference S 20753 19199, where only the remnants of stone walls and overgrown plants remain, serving as a moving reminder of its history.

A prominent structure, thought to have been a church or communal building, stands as a recognizable landmark on hiking paths at 52.32934069097203, -7.689396008612436. Although in ruins, this site offers a glimpse into the architectural legacy of Glenary.

Village Life and Cultural Heritage

Historical documents, including census records from Waterford, show that Glenary's population underwent notable changes, especially during major events such as the Great Famine. By 1901, the census recorded only 50 inhabitants, continuing a pattern of decline in subsequent years.

Tom Burke, the last resident of the village, shared important perspectives about the daily lives of Glenary’s residents. He reminisced about the visits from a hedge-school master who came periodically to teach the village children in both Gaelic and Latin. This education constructed a bridge between formal learning and the rich local folklore, strengthening their connection to their cultural heritage.

Life in the village was deeply connected to various cherished traditions and community events. Residents would gather by the stream to wash sheep, and the annual weaving of St. Bridget’s crosses from rushes was a mix of Celtic and Christian practices that enhanced community ties. On First Fridays, Father Lane visited, and neighbors would come together to offer each other support and fellowship.

The folklore of Glenary included stories of a haunted house and a black dog, which was rumored to signal death, adding an element of mystery to the village's narrative. Despite these darker stories, there were also fond memories of the village’s natural beauty, including trails lined with blackberries and hollyhocks that brightened Tom’s cottage. The heather-covered hills provided a picturesque backdrop for the lives of those who once resided in Glenary, capturing both the challenges and the enduring spirit of its community.

Legacy and Remembrance

Today, Glenary is a poignant reminder of a vanished village, with its stories resonating through the hills of the Comeraghs. While nature has taken over much of the area, the spirit of Glenary's lively past continues to exist in the memories of those who cherish its traditions and the connections among its people. The village remains a point of interest for hikers and history lovers, attracting visitors who are eager to explore the remnants of a community that thrived in seclusion yet was rich in culture and heritage.

Reference

This area is heavily forgotten. Much of this comes from word of mouth, Journals, Diaries of Citizens and physical Library records, ALL data and information has been cross checked.