Hastings Cottage, Shannon
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During the Twentieth century there was much activity in Ireland. In the years of the War of Independence, Clare saw its fair share of the proceedings. Hastings Cottage in Tullyvarraga, Shannon, holds a story about the Clare volunteers in the war and what they did in order to gain victory.
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Today the only the ruins of the house exist. These have been protected to ensure the history of it story attached is not lost.
In 1919 a British officer by the name of Brigadier Lucas...
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was held captive for a number of months in Hastings Cottage. He had originally been captured near Fermoy, in Cork by a
General Liam Lynch. He was brought across the Shannon in July by a group with SeĂĄn Finn at the helm and eventually escorted to the remote
location of Hastings cottage, which even today is tucked away from public view.
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During his time at Hasting's Cottage, Lucas was guarded by Major General Michael Brennan, who would go on to lead the East Clare Brigade of the IRA. Michael Brennan recalls these memories in his book, The War in Clare, 1911-1921. Although he was part of the enemy, he was afforded a luxurious stay at Tullyvarraga
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As Brennan recalled in his book, General Lucas' stay at Hastings' cottage was not as bad as many might imagine;
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'..he was an expensive luxury as he drank a bottle of whiskey every day which I hated like hell to pay for....I arranged a system whereby Lucas wrote to his wife and got a letter from her every day...
Michael Brennan, The War in Clare 1911-1921, (Dublin: Four Courts Press, 1980), p. 54.
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Given that this was one of our country's most important and historic periods, it is only right that this building is preserved
for future generations. One would fear that with the disappearance of the cottage the stories of General Lucas might also fade from memory also.
Architectural style:
Old photos suggest the building had a thatched roof.
The wall were random rubble stone walls with possibly a lime plaster finish.
Unfortunately record and photos of the building are difficult to find.
The building was once a traditional cottage which is embedded in a unique piece of Irish history.
Conservation of building
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In order to maintain the historical significance the ruin were maintained,
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The walls were capped to in order to act as a layer of protection against heavy rain.
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Part of the walls out of place were reconstructed in a suitable manner.
By maintaining the remainder of this cottage we are ensuring its history is maintained for future generations