The Barrow Milling Company

 

By Dan Carbery

 

These mills were situated alongside the canal lock and weir on the river Barrow in Carlow town. They were formerly Shackletons Mills and had closed down before the mills were reopened again in the 1930’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrow Milling Company advert. Photo Dan Carbery

 

There was a millrace stream supplied from the river which drove a large wheel for power.  This continued to supply some of the power but by the reopening the electricity supply from the Shannon Scheme through the E.S.B. network (Electricity Supply Board) was supplying most of the power requirements. The Grand Canal boats continued to service the mills.

                                                                                

One of the owners of the mill was Michael Wall a local business man who also owned Clogrennane Limeworks.  Two managers I can recall were Mr. O’Flynn and Mr O’Hanlon.  In latter years Mr. Jack Fleming was the manager.  The mills produced top quality flour, bran and pollard.

 

Large timber bulk silos were constructed in 1950’s to store the grain and were covered on the outside with corrugated asbestos sheeting manufactured in Athy. Apartments now occupy the site of the mills between the Leighlin Road and the Canal lock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrow Mills Buildings prior to demolition. Photo Dan Carbery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present Apartments that replaced the Barrow Mills. Photo Dan Carbery.