Governey’s Boot Factory Carlow

 

By Dan Carbery

 

In 1903 Michael Governey proprietor of Corcoran and Co. opened a boot and shoe manufacturing factory opposite his mineral water works at Castle Hill Carlow. The factory was built by Thomas Thompson of Carlow and had a beautiful red brick frontage (a very small portion of this still exists).  The trade mark of the Company called the Catherlogh Castle Boot Factory Ltd. was a picture of Carlow Castle.

 

 

Remaining Portion of Governey’s Boot factory. Now owned by Carlow County Council and currently houses the Carlow Rural Services Information Project (CRISP) Computer Training Centre. Photo Dan Carbery.

 

 

Specialists in shoe manufacturing were brought over from England to train a local workforce. They quickly adapted to the requirements of their new occupation and several generations of men and women secured employment in Governey’s Boot Factory.

 

Michael Governey’s eldest son also Michael went abroad to train for the business.  He unfortunately died at the age of 28.  His brothers Hugh and Des also worked in the company.  Governey’s boots and shoes over the years were renowned for top quality.

 

Governey’s Advert. Photo Dan Carbery.

 

 

Modern machines were installed.  These were belt driven from a revolving overhead shaft as is shown in the photograph.

 

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Views of Boot Factory 1913. Photo Dan Carbery

 

 

The factory was expanded in the 1930’s by D+J Carbery building contractors and during the war years 1939-1945 there was great demand for their products.

 

The leather requirements were supplied by various tanneries including Milford Tannery.

 

There was a good mix of men and women working in the factory with women carrying out work in the upper closing department.

 

 

 

 

As time passed into the 1950’s the factory was purchased by Boylan’s of Dublin.  The competition from imported goods made Irish manufacture less viable and the operation closed down in 1960’s.