The Goose's Acre

"The Goose's Acre" was a small triangular green park at the junction of the northern approach roads to the Main Street of Midleton, County Cork. Landscaped with a variety of flowerbeds, shrubs, and trees, the "acre" formed an attractive amenity feature that was much admired by visitors to the town. Here also was located the town's horse trough and weighbridge, both necessities in times past. For over a century, it was a landmark of which the townspeople were very proud. It was an important focal location for local ceremonies. In the centre of the plot stood a flagpole where on special occasions the National Flag was flown. Once a year, from 1920 to 1978 this special little area became hallowed ground, it being the location for the Benediction Service during the annual Corpus Christi Possession. It is believed the name "The Goose's Acre" derived from the fact that in former times a resident, Kate Barr, grazed her gaggle of geese there daily. And when farmers brought their goods to market, this was the area in which the geese were kept. Now all that remains of "The Goose's Acre" is the portion on which is sited the monument of the War of Independence and the recently erected ogham stone commemorating the United Irishman John Walsh, "The Blacksmith of Ballyannon". The late Ray Lawton was wont to recite this vers' when lamenting the removal of "The Goose's Acre" in 1978, to make way for the roundabout.