In conversation with John Plunkett, Rory Galligan & Fergal McGirl

In today's episode we talk to John Plunkett, the eldest son of the Plunkett family who has taken an interest in restoring the family farm, Rory Galligan, director of Rock Road Stone Company in Moynalty, Co. Meath and Fergal McGirl, a Conservation architect based in Dublin, with almost 30 years of experience. We chat to them about how together they carried out a project to restore the Plunkett cobbled farmyard in Co.Meath. We learn about the importance of proper on-site research when carrying out a restoration project and the untold value of regular maintenance of vernacular buildings along with maintaining the traditional use of vernacular farm buildings and structures.  If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or get in touch by emailing us at spabireland@gmail.comFor more information on SPAB Ireland:www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-irelandTo follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/spabirelandw....ww.twitter.com/spabi by Róisín Beirne and Livia ArtibaniEdited by Graeme BaldwinReviewed by Tríona Byrne, Shona O’Keefe, Gissella Renolfi & Róisín Beirne.  Artwork by Róisín Beirne and Gissella Renolfi.Theme music by Cillian Byrne.Generously supported by the Heritage Council under their Heritage Capacity Fund 2023. ShownotesJohn's favourite vernacular building : OuthousesRory's favourite vernacular building : A thatched cottageFergal's favourite vernacular buildings : Whitestown Clachan, Co. louth Contact detailsJohn Plunkett :Phone contact number given at end of podcast Rory Galligan: Rock Road Stone Company Ltd. Moynalty, Meath. LinkedIn National Guild article  Building Ireland Magazine article   Fergal McGirl :fmgarchitects.ieinfo@fmgarchitects.ieLinkedIn GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings SchemeEvaluation of Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme - 2022 Agriland .ie article : Old ways and grant aid restores cobbled yard on Carnaross Farm  Rothe House Kilkenny  ROI Government Conservation Advice Series - Paving : The Conservation of Historic Ground Surfaces