150-year-old tree felled at historic Mayo town centre amenity

The location is part of the former estate of Lord Lucan and it was used as a cricket ground

One of the oldest trees at the Mall in Castlebar, part of the former estate of Lord Lucan, has been felled.

According to local historians, the tree was first planted around 1870 - making it over 150 years old.

The Mall was originally used as a cricket ground by the Lucan family.

The amenity was donated to the people of the town in 1888 by the 4th Earl of Lucan and is rich in history.

Patriot priest Fr. Andrew Conroy was hanged from one of the trees in the aftermath of the 1798 Uprising and the Land League was founded by Michael Davitt, James Daly and others at the former Imperial Hotel at the Mall in October, 1879.

The felled tree was deemed to be in a dangerous condition due to a disease detected during an examination of all the trees at the location.

The felling was carried out by Noel McEllin, tree surgeon, during an operation to cut away dead branches and tidy up the trees surrounding the popular public amenity.

It is expected the void will be filled by a new tree in the near future.

The Mall got its name from the double line of trees running from Christ Church to the former Lucan residence at the Lawn

Local Councillor Ger Deere said the mature trees are a wonderful feature at the beautiful location all year round and the works carried out will protect these trees for future generations.

He has also asked Mayo County Council to consider offering some of the cut timber to local elderly people or families in need as firewood.

"Perhaps some of the good quality wood could be used to make presentations or gifts which the council could give to recipients on special occasions.

"Given the historical significance of these trees in Castlebar's history, such gifts would be most appropriate," he added.