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Feeding the Monster

(from Ireland’s Waterways)

As I have explained before, my title stems and the caretaking of the property by her
from material I gathered during a canal daughter who comes to Ireland every
trip a number of years ago and posted in Summer to continue her mother’s vision.
a daily blog. The “monster” was the blog The cottage is quite remote being on the
itself which needed constant updating - western end of the canal near the River
or feeding! Ireland at this point is still a Shannon.
number of weeks away from the complete
lifting of the lockdown and the family In reply to some questions posed in
barges are still waiting patiently on the “Towing the Line” in the Autumn 2019
Royal Canal in Mullingar. Because of edition of Inland Waterways News, and
the record-breaking dry Spring weather, having spent some time in the company
water shortages are beginning and word of the owner in late September, I perhaps
is that it will be September before travel is can shed some light on this wonderful
possible. This is not a disastrous situation project. I recently travelled on this
considering what has been happening section of the Royal Canal and actually
during the past few months. spent the night below the lock, followed
by an early start the following morning
The story below is about the saving of a and happened to take a few pictures
derelict lock cottage by an American lady around the cottage.

I first became aware of the cottage
during the filming of “WATERWAYS
the Royal Canal” in 2011 and although
it was a fleeting visit to this spot I was
immediately interested in Frances and
her Cottage. I had passed on numerous
occasions afterwards and three years
ago spoke to the owner, but this time
actually had Rosie Kelly (daughter of
Frances) onboard with her friends for
a memorable afternoon travelling the
canal.

Frances bought the cottage in a very
derelict condition in 1989 and set
about the difficult but rewarding task
of making it habitable once again. The
rebuilding ran parallel to the push in the
completion of the major works leading
to the reopening of the complete canal
to navigation in 2010. Her excitement at
the progress of these works built as the
possibility of boats once again using the
lock chamber drew nearer and nearer.
Tragically Frances was struck with cancer
and passed away and her loving husband
returned once more to erect the plaque in
her memory which is read daily by many
who travel by this beautiful spot.

From a blog by Rosie Kelly: - The
restoration of Lock 44 Keeper’s House on

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