Water pump in Ballinderry Big

Freestanding (private) cast-iron hand pump, erected c.1880, comprising a cylindrical shaft with raised horizontal banding, fluted neck and spout and having a ‘cow tail’ handle. Set on timber shaft. Set back from road in shared grounds with vernacular dwelling (15403806) in farmyard enclosed by outbuildings. Located to the west of Kilbeggan.

An interesting surviving example of a private cast-iron water pump, which is located in the farmyard associated with a thatched house (15403806). Cast-iron water pumps of this nature were extremely common in rural Ireland. However, the majority of these features were made redundant and removed after the development of mains water supply, making this an important social survival. This appealing feature represents an important early surviving artefact in mass produced cast-iron ware. The raised elements enhance the artistic quality of the piece while the curvilinear handle is an elegant feature of its design.