APHBy Paddy Walsh
There was a Franciscan Abbey here in the 12th Century. There are small fragments of stone crosses still here. Dr Foley (1920 & 30s) had the ancient history of Graigueabbey. His family left Athenry in the 30s. One boy Michael went to school in Carnaun with Tim O’Regan in the early thirties (School Folklore 1939)
Graigue Abbey house was built in 1830 by the Clarkes. Major Clarke occupied this house at the turn of the century on his return from India. He was a Roman Catholic. His elaborate tombstone monument is in Templemoyle graveyard. The Major’s son Bertie sold the house and the remaining estate to Major Fairfax Eames in 1926.Major Eames was Protestant who set about repairing the house and stables. He employed a staff of 6 or 7 on a full-time basis. He had hunt and racehorses as well as cows and calves. Ulster Bank acquired the property in 1937and put it on the market. It was bought in 1938 by ex RIC Sergeant Thomas and Mary Browne for £1,500. After Thomas browne died in 1951 Mrs Mary Browne put it on the market and I Patrick Walsh bought it for £3,000 (1951). The Brownes were RC, and went to Mass at Newcastle Church. Martin Treacy who lived in Castleturvin House and was headmaster in Coldwood school was Mary Browne’s brother who formerly lived on a farm between Newcastle and Tiaquin
