Landlords.
The earliest available record of Aghina appears to be 1451 A.D. when it was spelt "ACHYNACH". The P.P. at that time was Lactinue O'Longach (1451-1457). One of the oldest records of the lands of Aghina is the "Civil Survey 1654". It's description of Aghina is as follows, "AGHINA - For the generality of the soyle it is cold and far from manure improper for much tillage expect for some few parcels near the river Lee". The parish at that time had a very large population and the best and most arable of the land was held by the Gentry. These people owned large tracks of land and lived in big houses. Some of them were absentee landlords. They owned large farms in the area but didn't live there. However, some of these landlords did live in the area and the following piece tells us about three of these big houses.
Leades House
Leades House is over 200 years old. It has a long history of owners. Colin Wolfe the present owner inherited it from his father Henry Wolfe . Henry Wolfe previously bought it from Peter Conolly. Peter's father Dr. John Conolly served in the British army, and had inherited it from his uncle Major Woodley who served in the Boer War and the first Great War. He retired in 1920. Major Woodley also succeeded in the reprieve of 2 men involved in the Dripsey Ambush. Before him was Captain Woodley. The contents of the house were sold by public auction in 1981.
Kilberrihert House
Killberrihert House was situated north of Cooperville and south east of Rockville. In its heyday it was the residence of Thomas Broderick. There were ornamental gardens and offices adjoining it. It is now owned by Mr John O' Leary but the house is in bad repair.
Rockville House
Rockville is situated in the townland of Killberrihert and it is north west of Killberrihert House.It was the residence of Capt. Thomas Radley. It has ornamental gardens and is presently owned by Mr Pat and Claire Quill.