Bridge in Derryco,mweevoo

Mweevuck (Maigh Mhuc - plain of (the) pigs). This wooden structure, thought to be a bridge, is situated NE of an enclosure (KE009-010----) and E of Derryco Church (KE009-022----). A large number of oak timbers were raised on either shore during a drainage scheme on the River Cashen in the 1950s. They were examined in 1953 by Michael J. O'Kelly who felt that the structure must have been quite large and elaborate. More oak timbers were brought ashore in 1956, 1957 and 1959 and on two occasions parts of a wooden structure were left in situ for O'Kelly to examine. The timbers were elaborately detailed with mortices and tenons which originally fitted together. The structure seems to have projected 'outward from the banks into and at right angles to the flow of the river' (O'Kelly, JRSAI, 1961, 137). While there was no hard evidence that the structure completely crossed the river, local fishermen stated that their nets had often become entangled in timber posts out in the river. If indeed it was a wooden bridge one would imagine that a reference could be found. However, neither Taylor and Skinner (1777), Smith (1756), the Patent Roll of James I (1623) nor the Patent Roll of Mary I (1553) make any reference to a bridge in this locality, though the area itself is mentioned. This does not, however, prove that no bridge existed; it could have been much older than the references and all tradition may have been lost by the time of writing. Wooden bridges have been constructed since the 11th century. It has also been suggested that the structure might have been a fishing weir, although this seems unlikely. Went (JRSAI, 1946, 176-94) states that the only type suitable for this location would be a 'head I weir' which would be completely different from the timber structure found. The idea of jetties protruding from each side of the bank has also been put forward, but due to the arrangement of the timbers this does not seem probable. It might also have been some kind of lock gate. O'Kelly (1961) mentions a sandbar across the Cashen. Smith (1756) stated that goods were transported to Lixnaw Castle (1009) via the Cashen river. They must have had to avoid this obstacle (i.e. sandbar) if it existed at the relevant time. A lock gate could have been opened to allow water up on the in-coming tide to take the vessel upstream, and closed at high tide so as to allow any vessel leaving Lixnaw to have water enough to reach Derryco on that tide; it would then take another tide to reach open waters. (For detailed account of timbers found, see M.J. O'Kelly, JRSAI, 1961, 135-151) The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 1101. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013