In conversation with John Plunkett, Rory Galligan & Fergal McGirl

<p>In today's episode we talk to John Plunkett, the eldest son of the Plunkett family who has taken an interest in restoring the family farm, Rory Galligan, director of Rock Road Stone Company in Moynalty, Co. Meath and Fergal McGirl, a Conservation architect based in Dublin, with almost 30 years of experience. We chat to them about how together they carried out a project to restore the Plunkett cobbled farmyard in Co.Meath. We learn about the importance of proper on-site research when carrying out a restoration project and the untold value of regular maintenance of vernacular buildings along with maintaining the traditional use of vernacular farm buildings and structures. </p><p> </p><p>If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or get in touch by emailing us at <a href="mailto:spabireland@gmail.com">spabireland@gmail.com</a></p><p>For more information on SPAB Ireland:</p><p><a href="http://www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-ireland">www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-ireland</a></p><p>To follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/spabireland">www.instagram.com/spabireland</a></p><p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/spabireland">www.twitter.com/spabireland</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/spabireland">www.facebook.com/spabireland</a></p><p>Hosted by Róisín Beirne and Livia Artibani</p><p>Edited by Graeme Baldwin</p><p>Reviewed by Tríona Byrne, Shona O’Keefe, Gissella Renolfi & Róisín Beirne.  </p><p>Artwork by Róisín Beirne and Gissella Renolfi.</p><p>Theme music by Cillian Byrne.</p><p>Generously supported by the Heritage Council under their Heritage Capacity Fund 2023.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Shownotes</strong></p><p>John's favourite vernacular building : Outhouses</p><p>Rory's favourite vernacular building : A thatched cottage</p><p>Fergal's favourite vernacular buildings : <a href="https://fmgarchitects.ie/media/articles/whitest