Survey Data
Reg No
41403115
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
Date
1870 - 1910
Coordinates
289270, 303713
Date Recorded
26/03/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water pump, erected c.1890, with round-plan shaft having octagonal-plan lower part, fluted and banded to upper part. Curved cow's-tail pumping arm, and domed cap with crenellation-like detail to rim, and pointed finial. Maker's mark to rear. Located on east side of bridge over stream and on boundary between counties Monaghan and Louth.
Appraisal
Water pumps once played an important social and functional role in Ireland providing a communal water source. Located adjacent to a crossroads and opposite a forge it was a critical focal point within the surrounding rural hinterland, and serves as a reminder of this today. Unusually, the water source for this pump is visible. Unlike post boxes which were commissioned centrally, pumps can provide interesting examples of local ironwork, like this one, manufactured by Russells of Park Street, Dundalk, County Louth. The 'fir tree' finial, the cap, and non-round-plan base are all unusual and notable features enlivening this functional object.