Curraghaun
Corohan village is situated at the south-west end of our half-parish. Bordering Carranthomas to the south-east and Cloonfane to east and north, the Sinking River divides it from Russelstown and Cloonaghgarve, while the Dalgin River divides it from Béalaconeen. Actually these two rivers meet at Diskins’ farm and from there onwards are called the Clare, which winds its way on to Lough Corrib. There are different spellings for this townland: Corohan, Curraghan, Curraghaun and its Irish version is An Currachán, meaning a small wetland or marsh area/rough hilly area.
Its population in the mid 19th century was 233, while today it is closer to 40. Richard Kirwan was the landlord of the area and his name and initials are clearly visible on some very impressive stone outbuildings at Corohan. One outbuilding still standing is the high barn, where tenants came twice-yearly to pay their rents. Those designated days were called “Gale Days”.
The herd’s house is also there, as is a strikingly ornate stone archway. Census records from 1901 tell us that John Duggan and his son Seán were the herds at that time.
Another interesting entry in that same year is Michael McGovern, listed as a boarder in Michael Kelly’s house. A native of Co. Leitrim, his occupation was a teacher and he taught in Dalgin School. In the 1911 returns Margaret Cunniffe, aged 17, was a seamstress by trade. No other trades are recorded.
In the 1960’s , the Burke family crushed and rolled oats and barley for the local farmers. The Fleming family of Corohan were notable builders in the 1900’s and the Diskin family operated a forge. The remains of the weir, used by people to cross over to Quinns’ mill, are still to be seen. The area around that weir is regularly referred to as Tanyard. In the 19th. century there was a tannery there, where animal skins were cured and tanned. The leather produced was used by shoemakers for footwear and by saddlers for horse and donkey harness.