Above: An example of the graffiti in the bridewell of Kanturk courthouse (Eddie O’Hare/Irish Examiner)
Sir,—Kanturk courthouse complex has an important and indeed unique place in the architectural heritage of County Cork. It was built in 1824–6 to the designs of the prominent English architects James and George Richard Pain. At the time County Cork had high levels of rural unrest and violence, so the Grand Jury decided to build a network of courthouses and prisons throughout the county all to the same design, of which Kanturk alone remains intact and basically unaltered to this day. While the courthouse itself appears in reasonable condition despite its vacancy, the same cannot be said of the bridewell, which contains graffiti from many generations of prisoners, including detainees from the War of Independence and the Civil War. These graffiti are now very much at risk and are deteriorating before our eyes owing to the poor condition of the roof and general lack of maintenance. Only Kilmainham Gaol and Cork Women’s Prison contain graffiti from this period, and they are preserved and treasured. Unless emergency work to weatherproof this building is undertaken immediately to prevent its deterioration, it will result in the irretrievable loss of the graffiti and inevitable additional costs in any future restoration project. This is a national treasure and it will be a sin against the men and women who fought and died for the freedom of our country. The remit for its repair and maintenance lies with the Courts Services and I would ask any of your readers with any influence to encourage this government department to resolve the situation immediately before the coming winter does further irreparable damage. There will be no second chance to save this wonderful asset.—Yours etc.,
DAN DENNEHY
Kanturk