The old Courthouse in Shillelagh was completely restored in 2006 along with the mechanism of the clock which hadn't been working for years. It presently houses a Montessori School and other various functions. The building and the clock are steeped local history. The Courthouse was built by the Fitzwilliam family approx. 110 years ago for the social benefit of the community.It later became the site for the local assizes. The clock was erected some years after to celebrate the 21st birthday of the last Earl of Fitzwilliam. The mechanism of the clock was restored by renowned horologist Mr. Julian Cosby in 2007.Many
of these Turret Clocks have been devalued due to the fact that the mechanism has been replaced by electrical fittings. The clock is unique in so far that it has the same mechanism as Big Ben .Imagine what would happen if Big Ben was allowed to fall into bad repair. The interior and exterior timbers of the clock have started to rot and there is an ingress of water into the main building during bad weather. We have to raise approx' E15000.00. Our fund raising has started and on Sat. 7th.June we are holding a Plant and Cake sale in the Courthouse commencing at 12.o'clock. We are aware that there are many demands on people regarding fund raising, but your support in any form would be greatly appreciated.
