A piece of Leitrim’s past reclaimed as Carrigallen sluice gate restored
The sluice gate, controlling water flow to the downstream corn mill at Greens' Mill, has been vital to Leitrim’s milling heritage for over a century.
Friends and neighbours gathered recently in Carrigallen to celebrate a significant achievement in local heritage as Pat McCaughey, a resident of Drumcannon, Carrigallen, completed the restoration of the historic mill race sluice gate on his property.
The sluice gate, which controls water flow to the downstream corn mill at the former Greens' Mill, has been an integral part of Leitrim’s milling heritage for over a century.
After moving to Carrigallen, Pat McCaughey established the Millrace Sheep Flock of traditional Bluefaced Leicester sheep, providing breeding stock to breeders across the county.
It was during this time that he discovered the significance of the sluice gate on his land.
McCaughey took the task of restoring this important piece of agricultural and marine heritage, supported by a grant from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under their heritage measure.
Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Paddy O’Rourke, who shares an interest in agricultural heritage, attended the event to witness the moment when the sluice gate was raised for the first time.
Joining him were neighbours Brian Reilly, Packie Green (of Greens' Mill), Pat McCaughey (flock owner), Ted Sweeney, Christy Coyne, and Tommy Johnston.