Pictures from Nenagh Past...3

The Spout

The Spout is another historical landmark in the history of Nenagh. It is situated in a part of the town, variously known as McDonagh Street, Dublin Road, Spout Road. It is recorded in land deeds of 1737 as Tubberfalliny. The name Spout Road is mentioned in the 1788 Directory.

The waters of the spout, described as “the best and purest in Nenagh” supplied the residents of its neighbourhood with drinking water for at least 200 years and undocumented oral tradition records its existence in Cromwelliam times.

During a famine of 1881, there was widespread failure of crops in the Nenagh area, including potatoes which were the staple diet of the masses. Conditions, i.e., lack of food, unemployment, housing, and clothing for the labouring classes were dire. Relief committees were formed in Nenagh and an application was made for financial support to a voluntary London group called the London Tavern Society. There was a speedy and favourable response to the request and the aid granted allowed the local relief committee to employ men, women and boys which afforded them a meagre wage to buy essentials.

Amongst the work undertaken was the erection of a stone edifice and steps surrounding the spout, or pipe, that disgorged the water. A plaque thanking the benefactors was erected.

The pipe or spout that disgorged the pure water

New plaque that was erected at the time of restoration

The Spout continued to be a public water facility until 1936 when the Public Health Department closed it claiming the water was impure.

The edifice fell into disrepair through neglect, but in 2007 it was reconstructed through the work of a local voluntary committee and the Town Council.

Lest anyone be tempted to blame the youth of today for the graffiti which can be plainly seen on the facade of the edifice, I would like to point out that that inscription is there a long number of years. The youth responsible went on to be a very notable businessman. He, and his brother, ran a very successful printing business in the town until his retirement a few years ago. Perhaps his talents as a printer were coming to the fore when he felt compelled to inscribe his name for posterity so many years ago.