An Blag Staire

Béal Átha Póirín

About/Fúm

Documenting and sharing the events and stories of Ballyporeen's rich heritage. The area is situated in South Tipperary, Ireland.

Contribute/Scríobh

If you would like to write about any element of Ballyporeen history. E-mail text and images to padraigobrian@gmail.com. The topics can be as diverse as the built environment, human interest, culture, sports, clubs, personal experiences, an ancestor who emigrated from the area or even a recipe.

Articles will follow the same format as those already published on the site and individual contributors will be credited.

Published Articles/ Alt Scríofa

Current published articles: 15

latest article update: September 2025

Scroll down for info and click on images below to read the full text

Jack O'Brien - Republican, Tourism Promoter, Political Insider

A biography of a notable Ballyporeen native.

Researcher: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 1900

Era: 1920s-1950s

Published: September 2025

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John Gorman - Unionist, Decorated War Veteran and Senior Constabulary Officer

A biography of a notable Ballyporeen native.

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 1500

Era: Early 20th Century

Published: July 2025

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Jack Gorman

Clonmel - The Town I Love so Well

A nostalgic look at Clonmel town centre of yesteryear

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 925

Era: 1990s/00s

Published: March 2025

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Clonmel

The Ballyporeen Phoenix - How the Village's Most Prominent Building Rose From the Ashes

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 950

Era: 19th/20th Century

Published: January 2025

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The HallThe site where Church Street meets the Square is a focal point in the Ballyporeen streetscape. Today the Community Hall sits at this location. From the mid 19th to the early 20th century the building which stood there went through at least four different changes of use before being largely

New Light Through Old Windows - Michael Healy & Ballyporeen Parish Church

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 800

Era: Early 20th Century

Published: September 2024

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MichaelHealyThe stained glass windows of Ballyporeen Parish church are among its most distinctive features. One, that of St. Patrick is of particular note. The detail depicted on the subject’s face and vestments are a showcase of artistic skill. The window was painted by one of the foremost pioneers in the

Magnificus Erectus - Ballyporeen's 10 Best Buildings Ranked

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 600

Era: 19th Century to present

Published: December 2023

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BallyBuildings Buildings are a key element in the Ballyporeen landscape. Their appearance, positioning and arrangement make the area truly distinctive, but does Ballyporeen have a unique style of architecture? not exactly but it follows many of the trends and styles of the wider south Munster region. The

DVD Killed the Video Star - Ballyporeen and VHS Rental

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 500

Era: 1990s

Published: October 2023

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VideoIn an age of Netflix, Smart TVs and online streaming, it can be difficult to comprehend that less than a generation ago, VHS tapes were the leading edge in home entertainment. VHS stands for "Video Home System" and was pioneered in Japan from the mid 1970s but only gained traction in Ireland in the

Will the Real Henry O'Brien Please Stand Up? The Priest, the House-Keeper and Ballyporeen Ground Rents

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 700

Era: 19th Century to Present

Published: September 2023

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Ground RentGround rents in Ireland can be considered a relic of imperialism and landlordism with origins going back to the feudal system. If you live in a town or village and your home was built before 1978, ground rents may still be levied on the plot. The annual charge may only be a few schillings (less

The Lot: An Oasis of Calm at the Heart of the Village

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 640

Era: 19th Century to Present

Published: August 2023

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The LotJust off the Square in Ballyporeen lies a small park known as "The Lot". This area is approximately three-quarters of an acre in size and borders the river Duag along it's southern edge. Its entrance from Main Street is muted and not sign posted. Passers by may mistakenly think it serves solely as

Tracks in Time: Ballyporeen and the Railways

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 685

Era: 20th Century

Published: July 2023

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The RailwaysMost Irish families have connections to the railways. In 1934 My great-grandfather John Russell of Coolaprevane collapsed and died from a heart attack at Ballybrophy as he travelled back from Dublin by train. Decades later, when my father's siblings emigrated to England after WWII, they used the

Tree is the Magic Number: Ballyporeen's 10 Best Trees Ranked

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 980

Era: 21st Century

Published: June 2023

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Ballyporeen TreesTrees are a key element in the Irish landscape. They offer an important habitat to insects, birds and mammals. They also have huge aesthetic value. Some people also attest to a spiritual aspect to trees. When a distinctive hawthorn tree stood for centuries one mile east of Ballyporeen village at

The Kiltankin Tragedy : Famine & Strife

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 840

Era: 1840s

Published: May 2023

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The Kiltankin TragedyBlack ’47 saw half the population in Ballyporeen parish resort to soup kitchens for basic sustenance. Potato shortages and a fever epidemic meant a battle of survival for many. Societal norms of behaviour and morality were also challenged in such an atmosphere. In April 1847, two people lost their

Fantastic Mr. Fox and High Society - The Galtee Hounds 1901

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 1024

Era: Early 20th Century

Published: May 2023

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The Galtee HoundsFox hunting on horse-back was a popular pursuit amongst the wealthy social classes in rural Ireland in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Horses could be found working on most farms, they were the tractors of the era, however the type and breed of horses required for hunting meant only individuals

Doolis Townland - Population Boom to Bust

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 540

Era: 19th/ 20th Century

Published: April 2023

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Doolis TownlandA view towards Doolis, Kiltankin and Cooladerry

Doon Townland - "The First Settlers Possessed No Cattle, Not Even an Ass"

Author: Patrick O'Brien

Word Count: 830

Era: 19th/ 20th Century

Published: March 2023

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Doon TownlandDoon

Contact the blog: Patrick, Email: padraigobrian@gmail.com

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