Article from the Grange Book suggested for reading this week (week 29)
'The Grange' - Crokers
This week's (week 29) article is about the former Croker Great House near Lower Grange, which was known as The Grange. The article was researched and written by Michael (Minie) O' Brien of Lower Grange.
The remains of the great house are clearly visible from some locations in Lower Grange and from certain elevated positions within Grange Parish. Sadly, the ruin of the former great house has deteriorated further since the article was written in 2015.
The article is quite short but full of important fact and detail, providing for an engaging and informative read.
The following are extracts from the article:
"The ruin of the former ‘Great House’, 'The Grange', popularly known locally as 'Crokers', as viewed from across the Camogue River from the village of Lower Grange, known as Sixmilebridge in olden times, is both eye-catching and impressive, and it seems to demand your attention. The ruin stands on an elevated site, which slopes gently towards the river, and it may seem that the two, each of which in their own right had glorious days in times gone by, are intent on mutual protection of an old friend."
"The 1911 Census (House No 3 – Skool – Ballybricken) recorded the occupants of 'The Grange' as Caroline Croker, aged 72 (single). The house was staffed by Annie Duff, aged 58 (single), a domestic servant; Mary Kirby, aged 39 (single), cook; Ellen Murphy, aged 40 (single), housemaid; Margaret Feston, aged 68 (single), laundress; Bridget Higgins, aged 32 (single), kitchen maid; Thomas Gabin, aged 42 (widower), coachman and Patrick Cronin, aged 19 (single), domestic servant."
"There is a retort 'I doubt it says Croker' that is used to this day, and has been for many years, throughout County Limerick and indeed further afield when there is an intention to convey doubt about belief in something that has been said by somebody. It would appear that these famous words arise from an exchange between Old John Croker, as he lay dying of a terminal illness at Ballinagarde House, and his son, Robert, a clergyman. Apparently, Robert told his father that he was going to a better place – 'there is a land that is fairer and better than this you’ll regard' said Robert to his dying father. Old Croker surveyed his fine demesne and replied 'I doubt it', and then fell dead. The house became known locally as 'I Doubt it Hall'."
Next Week (week 30) we will suggest another book article for reading.
Kind Regards to All.
