Bringing the Three Counties Boundary Back to Life as Community Action is Launched

The three counties committee gathered to refurbish a beloved area of local beauty where their respective counties, Cork, Kerry and Limerick meet. Included are, front: Evan and Harry Walsh with from left: Kevin Flannery, Padraig Walsh, T.J. McAuliffe, John Cronin, Henry Keogh, Jack Curtin and Bill Curtin.                 Photograph: Neily Curtin
The need for some TLC is evident on this memorial plinth which marks the opening of the new bridge on July 13th 1958. Photograph: Neily Curtin

Nestled in the peaceful countryside where Cork, Kerry, and Limerick meet, the Three Counties Boundary is far more than a spot on the map—it’s a beloved place full of heart, heritage, and local pride.

At the centre of this scenic junction stands Striolán Bridge, built in 1958 over the River Feale. Before that, there was no road access from Meeng, Rockchapel or Acres, Mountcollins to County Kerry—just an old horse ford across the river!

Castleisland man T.J. McAuliffe has strong family roots in the area and he’s now living there and is part of an energetic committee which is intent on providing a new lease of life to the beauty of the centre-piece of the area.

In the late 1990s, the Curtin families of Striolán, with the help of neighbours and friends, transformed the site into something truly special.

A Local Beauty Spot

They cleared the land, tidied up rubbish, built a charming thatched gazebo, and turned the area into a local beauty spot. It was all done with heart, hard work, and a whole lot of community spirit.

On the official opening day—September 10th, 2000—the place came alive with dancing at the crossroads and celebration.

Since then, the Curtin families have lovingly cared for the space, keeping it picture-perfect year after year. But now, the years have taken their toll. The site is beginning to show its age and could use a bit of TLC.

Small Steps = Big Difference

The good news? It wouldn’t take much—just some new fencing, a fresh thatch for the gazebo, and a cleanup and coat of paint for the bridge. Small steps that would make a big difference.

Restoring the Three Counties Boundary is about more than upkeep. It’s about honouring the spirit of unity, identity, and rural pride that has always defined this special place.

With a little effort and a lot of heart, we can return it to its former glory—for locals and visitors alike.

To get things going, community groups from Rockchapel, Brosna, and Mountcollins have joined forces to raise funds.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched, and there are plenty more local efforts in the pipeline.

More Than a Meeting Point

First up, the Rockchapel Heritage Group will be donating all proceeds from their annual plant sale at the Rockchapel Gathering Craft Fair on June 8th.

In short, the Three Counties Boundary is more than a meeting point—it’s a symbol of connection, culture, and care. Restoring it isn’t just a job to be done—it’s a celebration waiting to happen. Let’s make it happen, together!

Signed: The Rockchapel Heritage Group, Brosna Le Chéile, and the Mountcollins Development Association.

The combined groups’ GoFundMe page address is available with a Click on the Link here: https://gofund.me/b09fd038

You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.