Ardaghey Forge plaque

Inscription

Ardaghey Forge / The Forge was built in 1898 and was strategically located at Ardaghey Cross. Paddy Murphy, Mullinabattog was the blacksmith and highly skilled in his art. Using tools fashioned by his own hand, he plied himself to the task with dexterity and good humour and there was never heard tell of a dissatisfied customer. Indeed the busy "ding-dong" of his anvil hung in the air like the song of a lark on a Summer's day and rivalled the bell of the nearby church in clarity and resonance. The Forge was also an important gathering place for the youth of the area as Paddy's company always ensured a bit of craic. A pub with no beer, in fact. / How things have changed. Gone are the visitors. Gone are the cheery yarns and the idle banter. Gone is the huff puff of the bellows. Gone is the snarl of the fire. Gone is the ding dong of the hammer on the anvil. Gone is the steamy hiss of the hot iron as it is plunged into cold water. Gone is the comradeship. Gone is Paddy. (Extracts from Ardaghey Past and Present Book) / Erected by Ardaghey Community Development Association 2006