The Ahenny Slate Quarry, established in 1863 by Victorian Slate Quarry Ltd, transformed the slate industry from individual excavations to large-scale operations. Located in the townlands of Ahenny and Clashmanud, it quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest slate in Europe, with a significant export trade to England. Infrastructure such as mill houses, bridges, and canals were constructed to support operations, reaching depths of 300 feet. Employing around 90 men, the quarry flourished until its closure in 1911. The last shipment of slate in 1947 marked the end of a notable industrial era.
Early Days and Individual Endeavors
In the beginning, slate excavation in the region was a grassroots effort. Each landowner with suitable ground would independently extract slate rock. Once enough slates were gathered, the owner would transport them to the nearest town, selling to the highest bidder. There are traces of slate quarry endeavours going back several thousand years.
Victorian Slate Quarry Ltd Era
A significant shift occurred in 1863 when Victorian Slate Quarry Ltd acquired the townlands of Ahenny and Clashmanud. This marked the transition from small-scale to large-scale operations, including exporting slate to England. Known for its exceptional quality, the slate from this quarry was touted as the finest in Europe.
Infrastructure and Development
To support the expanding operations, a manager’s residence was built, along with two mill houses and two bridges over the Lingaun River. The company constructed roads and a canal spanning over two miles to power the massive water wheels in both mills. There were two primary quarries, one at each mill.
Quarry Operations and Challenges
The main quarry reached a depth of 300 feet, with 200 feet extending below the river level, leading to severe flooding issues. A substantial turbine was installed to operate the pumps, which helped but didn’t entirely solve the problem. Despite the challenges, the quarry employed around 90 workers, including quarrymen, scallopers, slate makers, carpenters, smiths, and carters. This quarry remained operational under the same ownership from its inception in 1863 until its closure in 1911.
Ormond Quarry and Subsequent Operations
Another quarry on the opposite side of the Lingaun River in County Kilkenny, locally known as the Ormond quarry, saw multiple ownership changes and periods of inactivity. In 1927, the Carrick-on-Suir Slate Quarry Co Ltd, a branch of the renowned Killaloe Co, took over the operations to meet its expanding capacity needs. Over the years, this quarry supplied slates for prominent structures, including the ESB transformer stations, the ESB power house at Ardnacrusha, the Four Courts in Dublin destroyed during the Civil War, and the General Post Office in Dublin, gutted in 1916.
Final Years and Closure
The Carrick Slate Quarry was active until 1934. However, in 1932, a tragic accident occurred when dynamite was mistakenly rammed with a steel bar, resulting in the death of one worker and the severe injury of another, who died a few days later. The quarry ceased operations in 1935. Subsequently, James Power of Knockroe purchased the quarry from the Earl of Ossory. For five years, he endeavored to revive the business but ultimately did not succeed.
The End of an Era
The last shipment of slates from the quarry was dispatched to Achill Island in 1947 to roof a school. This marked the end of an industry that had gained international recognition in July 1890 at the International Exhibition of Mining and Metallurgy at the Crystal Palace in London.
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