In an article written by David Burke - CLONBERNE'S IRON TOMB IS UNIQUE - he says:

"Travellers passing through Clonberne will notice, if they glance to the left while passing the sportsfield, something that looks like an upturned tin can of gigantic proportions looming over the graveyard in the distance".

For many this is probably exactly as much as they know or have seen of the mausoleum. However as he says in the same article:

"If they are curious enough they will take the boreen leading to the cemetery to examine the structure at close quarters. It turns out to be, not a tin can, but a huge cylinderical cast-iron mausoleum which looks very out of place among the traditional Celtic crosses and headstones that adorne most of the graves. In fact the tomb of Colonel Maurice Griffin Dennis is unique, not only in Ireland but maybe even in Europe. It stands at least 20 feet high and was once surmounted by a draped urn, a favourite symbol in Church of Irelan gravestones."

As the mausoleum was falling into disrepair many people felt that it should be repaired and if possible restored to its original condition. Clonberne Community Development carried out some research, but there were lots of areas of concern - ownership, heritage, planning permission, costs, etc.
It was not until 2009 that a plan started coming together. Thanks to interest by THE FOLLIES TRUST and a phone call from their Primrose Wilson to the chairman of Clonberne Community Development a new working group was formed. A Steering Committee was set up, followed by some very productive meetings of all interested parties in Clonberne Community Resource Office.

Budget
Galway County Council received funding from the DoEHLG Civic Structures Grant Scheme, and from the Heritage Council to carry out necessary conservation works. This was matched by input from the Follies Trust and Galway County Council. A fund of €20,000.00 was now in place.

Project description
Quotations were requested for a structural investigation and conservation assessment of the Dennis Mausoleum; preparation of survey drawings and record photographs; identification of necessary repair works; provision of a methodology and specification for repair; preparation of tender documentation; advice on the appointment of contractor and overseeing the project on site to completion. A publication of the completed project by Galway County Council and/or the Follies Trust is envisaged to promote best practice and the appointed consultants are expected to provide material necessary for this publication.

Time scale
The consultant, Dermot Nolan was appointed in June 2010. The conservation works had to be completed by 29th October 2010, with the materials supplied for the proposed publication by 26th Novemeber 2010. Bushy Park Ironworks were then appointed as the contractors for the required works, with a schedule of works agreed.
The schedule of works have now been completed, as can be seen from the attached pictures. A publication "CLONBERNE GRAVEYARD - It's monuments & people" was producedand. On 20th Oct 2011 a clebration to mark the restoration of the Dennis Mausoleum was held in Clonberne Community Centre, at which the special guest Minister Jimmy Deenihan launched the publication..