2009:826 - FATHER MATTHEW HALL, GRACE ROAD, ATHLONE, Westmeath

Monitoring of geotechnical investigations at the site was undertaken on a phase basis during November 2009 and January 2010. The site is located between
Grace Road and the River Shannon and comprises a former temperance hall (Father Matthew Hall), constructed in 1897, and a terraced embanked landscaped area to the immediate north. This latter area was originally created in the late 19th century by land reclamation and was further landscaped in the 1980s. It is the intention of Athlone Town Council to create an art galley on the site, by means of converting
much of the existing building and constructing an extension to the north. Other works will include a service yard and creation of a boardwalk along a
section of the riverfront. The site is situated within the zone of archaeological potential established for Athlone. A defensive feature – Connaught Tower –
was located within, or in the immediate environs of, the site. This was constructed in the 16th century and
was described in 1581 as ‘an old ruinous tower covered with straw’. It is illustrated on Thomas Phillip’s map of 1685 as comprising a rectangular structure with two circular towers at north angles,
linked to Athlone Castle to the south by a defensive wall or ditch. Although the tower was largely demolished by Williamite bombardment in 1691, its
location was marked on maps up to the late 18th century. Research indicates that the tower was located at the south-western corner of the site at the junction formed by Grace Road, Market Square and
the road leading west from the bridge.
All trial-pit and borehole investigations were
monitored and the spoil generated from such was subjected to ‘raking over’ to increase the chances for artefact recovery. A number of wall remains were encountered to the immediate north and south of the
existing building. The form, nature and dates of the walls encountered during the site investigations were not ascertained due to the ‘monitoring’ nature of the works. Historical research indicates that part
of the site, particularly the southern area, including Father Matthew Hall, was previously constructed in the 18th century and that all the previous buildings
were demolished as part of the preparation/
construction works associated with the construction of the adjacent Town Bridge. The remaining areas of the site to the north originally formed part of the shallow riverbed and were reclaimed in the 19th century.
Given the historical background to the site and environs, together with the limited evidence uncovered by the programme of monitoring, it is difficult to determine whether any of the walls uncovered by the site investigations are of archaeological interest. Consequently, following consultation with the National Monuments Service, additional archaeological investigations will be undertaken in 2010.