Founded in 1892, Foxford Woollen Mills still standing proud
By Tom Gillespie
MOTHER Agnes Morrogh-Bernard was the foundress of the Foxford Woollen Mills.
In post-Famine times the establishment of the mills next to the River Moy was a God-send for the town and the surrounding area.
In April 1877 Mother Agnes arrived in Ballaghaderreen to become Rectress of a new convent. She worked hard helping the poor and trying to relieve poverty.
During her years in Ballaghaderreen it was stressed to Agnes that a convent was needed in Foxford and in 1890, with the help of a friend and assistance from the local sergeant, a house was found and on December 9, 1890, Mother Morrogh-Bernard and one sister came to live in Foxford.
On her arrival Agnes decided that the small spinning and weaving business in Ballaghaderreen could be transferred to Foxford but on a larger scale, and in 1892 the woollen mills were founded.
Over the next few years a school was built and in 1893 she got a grant so training could be given in the domestic and farming areas of the community.
Today Foxford Woollen Mills is one of the last working mills in Ireland and its visitor centre attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Mother Agnes was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, on February 24, 1842. Her father John was one of the Morroghs of Glanmire, a prominent Catholic family in Cork.
According to research undertaken by Rosaleen Snee Gaughan, shortly after her birth Agnes and her mother returned to Cork and lived there until 1849, when her farther inherited the Bernard Estates.
They moved to Kerry, and her father became John Morrogh-Bernard and landlord of the estates. He looked after his tenants by providing work for the women, and so Agnes learned in her early years that people must be allowed the dignity of earning their own living, and it was from her parents that she acquired her deep sense of self sacrifice, charity, and humility, and the reason for her devotion to helping the poor.
She was educated at home by her mother until 1854 and was then sent to Laurel Hill Convent in Limerick for three years. It was during this time that she realised she wanted to spend her life in a religious order.
She went home to Sheheree House for a year before going to Paris in 1858 to complete her education in Daimes Anglaises Convent.
When she returned home in 1860 she had already decided she wanted to become a nun.
She celebrated her 21st birthday on February 24, 1863, and on July of that year she entered the noviciate of the Sisters of Charity.
Mary Aikenhead had established this order in 1815, with the intention of sending the sisters out among those who needed help. As well as the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, a fourth vow asked for devotions to the poor, which appealed to Agnes and her desire to work with the underprivileged.
She spent six months as a postulant and after a two year testing period she was professed on January 16, 1866.
Shortly afterwards she was given a teaching post in Gardener Street School and some months later was sent to Kings Inn School.
In October 1869 Agnes suffered a serious illness, and after a period of convalescence she worked for a short while in a convent in Donnybrook. She was appointed ministress to Mountjoy Street Convent and later to Lakelands Orphanage.
While in Foxford, Mother Agnes encouraged sports and music, and in 1897 she set up the Brass and Reed Band which today is still the pride of Foxford. Thanks mainly to her efforts a handball alley was built in 1901.
As the years passed and money became more plentiful she had houses built for employees of the mill. The music school was built in 1923, and the convent chapel on her arrival in 1925, and both of these can still be seen today. Up until her death in 1932, Agnes continued to improve and update the mill and the town itself.
In 1908 the mill was destroyed by fire but was rebuilt and continued in production.
However, in 1987 the textile industry faced a financial crisis and local business people came together to save the day.
Since reopening in 1992 the award-winning Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre has earned the reputation as a premier visitor attraction in Ireland.
At the core of the centre is the historical woollen mill tour where visitors can step back in time to see how life was in Foxford in the 1890s.
They can see how the town of Foxford grew and prospered around the mill. The tour also includes a visit to the working woollen mill where skilled craftspeople can be seen producing the world famous rugs, blankets and tweeds. The tour is available in German, French, Italian, Irish as well as English.
The visitor centre is also home to the Foxford Cafe where you can enjoy a delicious home cooked meal or snack any day of the week.
The Mill Shop is located on the ground floor, stocking a wide variety of Irish made gifts for you to choose from as well as goods produced in the mill.
Foxford products are renowned worldwide.
What was once a late 19th century convent is now a bustling hive of activity. The bright and airy 465 square metre premises is home to a gourmet cafe and restaurant where local ingredients are paramount.
With ample parking, full wheelchair facilities and the award-winning cafe and restaurant the mill is an experience to remember.