Malone Mausoleum, Kilbixy, Co Westmeath
WORK TO CONSERVE THE MALONE MAUSOLEUM IS COMPLETE!
The Follies Trust were delighted to be able to complete work on this amazing structure in November 2023.
On 26 November a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St Bigseach’s Church, Kilbixy, attended by over 70 people!
The Rector, Canon Alastair Graham, welcomed everyone and paid tribute to the Follies Trust, Lotts Architecture, architect Richard McLoughlin and Madigan Conservation.
It was a delightful occasion with rousing hymns and wise words from the Rector. Follies Trustees, Robert Logan and Bernadette Solon, read the lessons and the Chairman of the Follies Trust, Primrose Wilson, thanked all concerned for their funding, their skilled work and dedication and the Select Vestry for their co-operation. She paid tribute to Melanie McQuade, Heritage Officer, and David Miller for all their help and support.
This project was funded by Historic Structures Fund, Westmeath County Council, the Heritage Council, the Follies Trust, the Irish Georgian Society and many generous donations from private individuals.
Pictured after the Service – Eoin Madigan with the team from Madigan Conservation – David, Louise & Darragh.
Richard McLoughlin, Frances, Faye & Charlie Madigan and the Chairman and Hon Secretary of the Follies Trust.
Below you can see details of the survey carried out by Lotts Architecture:
View Drawings & Photographic Survey
Grants from the Historic Structures Fund, Westmeath County Council, the Heritage Council & the Irish Georgian Society (Homas Potterton bequest) were generous but there was still a substantial shortfall. The Follies Trust, its supporters and friends gave generously and so we raised the remaining funds required. The Irish Architectural Archive and the Mullingar Union of Churches assisted by allowing us to hold lectures to help raise funds. The Follies Trust appreciates every donation – the generosity of all concerned provided great encouragement to the Trust.
National Heritage Week at Kilbixy 2023
Some 60 people enjoyed a very educational day at Kilbixy, marking National Heritage Week
Ministerial visit to the Malone Mausoleum
On 7th November 2023 Minister Noonan visited Malone Mausoleum.
Minister Noonan with the contractor, Eoin Madigan, members of his team and Bernadette Solon, trustee of the Follies Trust.
Minister Noonan with Eoin Madigan and his team.
The Follies Trust had learned a lot from the Study Days in October 2022, the conservation work undertaken and the surveys. We felt that the Malone mausoleum was so interesting that it deserved a publication to highlight its importance, if funds could be raised! Westmeath County Council, the Heritage Council and a very generous Follies Trustee came to our rescue and William Laffan agreed to be editor.
On 12th and 13th November we launched the publication ‘The Malone mausoleum, Kilbixy, Co Westmeath’ in Mullingar and the Irish Architectural Archive, Merrion Square, Dublin.’
Please see pics below of the launch by An Cathaoirleach in Mullingar (pictures courtesy of John McAuley):
The launch in Dublin was by Dr Edward McParland. The book has been well received and the quality of the workmanship by Madigan Traditional Masonry much praised. The Follies Trust is grateful to William Laffan, Ruth Illingworth, Caimin O’Brien, Eoin Madigan and Richard McLoughlin for their essays and expertise.