Proposed demolition of a building of Hague
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My name is James Mc Allister, I am a native of Cookstown in County Tyrone. A disused convent in the town has been earmarked for demolition, and horrified at the prospect of such a beautiful and important local building disappearing, I began to do some research on when it was constructed and by whom. I came across the name and works of William Hague, and was delighted to find that he is a famous and celebrated architect, renowned for his work all over Ireland.
I feel this is something that the people of my town are not aware of, the esteem in which Hague is held, and the importance of his work. It could be a persuasive factor in changing the fate of the convent.
The reason I write is to ask for information concerning the works of Hague, and especially the building of the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Cookstown. I have scant knowledge about the construction of the building, and I don’t really know where to begin looking. I was hoping there would be some kind of society or organisation who could have verified the existence and importance of this another gem of Hague’s. It is easily one of the most beautiful public buildings Cookstown have. In the fifties, I believe, and unsympathetic modern chapel for the nuns was stuck on to the face of the building, and now the Monsignor is proposing that it be removed entirely to make way for more car parking spaces! It is keeping me awake at night, in a wretched state of worry to think that this might go ahead.
Please, if you have any information or addresses or telephone numbers that might help me send them on. I desperately believe this building could be sympathetically adapted to fulfil a useful position in the local community.
Best regards and awaiting any information that you may be able to send me.
James Mc Allister
Tel: 07810734912
69c Wellesley Ave
Belfast
BT9 6DG -
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There is a very attractive picture that I am going to scan tomorrow to send to the local newspaper along with a letter and notice of a petition against demolition.
I have fished out and dusted off the old black and white photograph of the church and convent as it was previously. Since then (mid 50s I believe)church authorities pegged on to the face of the building a completely unsympathetic chapel for the nuns of the convent (who now are so few that they live in a bungalow nearby) This, along with the maturation of some trees that were planted, have completely obscured the facade of the building. It is my opinion that the removal of the trees and the tacky chapel is what’s necessary to do justice to the original building.
I’ll try and have a photograph to show you tomorrow Paul. Thanks.
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