Workhouse pump

 

Workhouse pump

Christy Cunniffe

 

Workhouse pump

Christy Cunniffe

This cast iron pumping mechanism is from the workhouse in Portumna. It is one of a number of pumps that were located in different yards in the 8 acre complex. It comprises of a driving wheel rotated by hand that drove a conrod on a camshaft for the purpose of lifting and dropping a pump sucker in an iron sleeve in the well. It is a fine example of industrial engineering.