Mayo town loses another little piece of its history

The demolition of a derelict dwelling at Mons Terrace, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, represents the loss of another little piece of the town's history.

Although it has been vacant for a number of decades, it's unique frontage captured the eye of passers-by.

It was the former residence of the late Mrs. McDonagh and family.

She was a teacher who played a central role in the early education of a generation of young Castlebar pupils at St. Patrick's Boys National School.

Now the site has been cleared to make way for a new home.

Nearby, a number of houses were built for ex-servicemen of World War One, a scheme completed in September 1929.

That scheme was the brainchild of Dean Joseph Jackson who came to administer in Castlebar in 1923.

Such was his input into the project, it was proposed at the time that it be named after him, but he preferred it to be called Mons. Terrace after the Battle of Mons in World War I.

Shortly after arriving in the county town he became involved in many organisations such as the local branch of the British Legion.

As secretary and organiser of the branch he played a major role in the erection of the eight houses at Mons Terrace - four single and four two-storey, which he saw to completion despite numerous setbacks.

The homes were built for ex-servicemen of World War I. Such was his input into the scheme, it was proposed at the time that it be named after him, but he preferred it to be called Mons Terrace after the battle of Mons in World War I.

The Soldiers and Sailors Land Trust were responsible for the building of the houses.

The contractor was J.P. McCormack who was complimented at the time for the expeditious manner in which the contract had been carried out, down to the minute detail and the very high standard that was reflected in the finished houses.