IRISH LIFE AND LORE SERIES OFFALY COLLECTION 4th SERIES CATALOGUE OF 52 RECORDINGS www.irishlifeandlore.com
Recordings compiled by : Maurice O Keeffe Catalogue Editor : Jane O Keeffe and Alasdair McKenzie Secretarial work by : n.b.services, Tralee Recordings mastered by : Media Duplication Privately published by : Maurice and Jane O Keeffe, Tralee All rights reserved 2008 ISBN : 978-0-9555326-7-2 Supported By Offaly Co. Council Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society
Series Maurice and Jane O Keeffe, Ballyroe, Tralee, County Kerry e-mail: okeeffeantiques2@eircom.net Website: www.irishlifeandlore.com Telephone: + 353 (66) 7121991/ + 353 87 2998167 All rights reserved 2008
NAME: MICHAEL SHERIDAN, CHURCH STREET, CLARA Title:, CD 1 Subject: A passion for GAA games Time: 54:16 Description: Michael Sheridan grew up in Clara, and worked in the Goodbody Jute Factory, and later for the Midland Sacks and Boxes Factory. His input into Clara GAA Club was exceptional in that he edited their journal entitled An Clárach an Scéal, 1884-1994. He spoke in great detail about the players, the teams, the committees and the officials down through the years. NAME: PATRICIA (PAT) KILLEEN, AGE 81, SHANNON BRIDGE Title:, CD 2 Subject: Stories from a public house Time: 53:57 Description: The origins of the Killeen public house can be traced back 380 years. Pat Killeen provides a very good account of the families which lived in the building over many generations. Fascinating stories are related about the entertainment, the characters, the business trade, which took place since the Killeens took over in 1929. NAME: GERRY MURRAY, AGE 69, CHARLEVILLE VIEW, Title:, CD 3 Subject: The career of a member of an Garda Siochána Time: 63:28 Description: From the day that Gerry Murray joined the Garda Siochána his life was very active and interesting. His first posting was on border duty during the Troubles in the late 60s and early 70s. He served in four provinces and spent time in Newport, Co Tipperary, where poteen-making was popular. While stationed in Portlaoise, he was in charge of Garda Security at Portlaoise Jail. NAME: JIM KENNY, (Part 1) Title:, CD 4 Subject: A historical retrospect on Ballincumber Time: 46:55 Description: Local historian Jim Kenny brought me on a tour of Ballincumber and its vicinity beginning at the river Brosna. Page: 1
He described the medieval settlements beside the Brosna, the building of the bridges across the river, how the canal helped other towns to develop, and finally he spoke about landlordism in the area. NAME: JIM KENNY, (Part 2) Title:, CD 5 Subject: A historical retrospect on Ballincumber Time: 43:44 Description: In this recording local historian Jim Kenny takes me to the Hackett estate, Castlearmstrong in the vicinity of Killintubber, where he recalls the long history of the townland. All the genealogy associated with the house is described. Finally, the politics behind the dividing up of the land by the Land Commission in 1928 was revealed. NAME: NOEL GOWRAN, AGE 77, ARDEN ROAD, Title:, CD 6 Subject: Athletics in the midlands Time: 44:50 Description: In this recording Noel Gowran, Irish Marathon Champion, discusses athletics in the Tullamore area during the 50s, 60s and 70s, including the Columban Athletics Club, the Salts Team (from the textile factory), the Tullamore Harriers and the devoted attention that Noel Gowran always gave to the games. NAME: JOHN HANNIGAN, AGE 73, DAINGEAN ROAD, Title:, CD 7 Subject: A vet s reminiscences Time: 50:49 Description: John Hannigan is a veterinary surgeon, who grew up in inner-city Dublin where his family were turf accountants. He recalls many stories of the ups and downs of that business, as well as a number of interesting accounts of his work with animals, and his close connection with their owners. The recording creates a fascinating image of a vet s busy and varied life. NAME: JOSEPH VALENTINE CRAIG, Title:, CD 8 Subject: Stories of the railway Page: 2 AGE 76,
Time: 53:28 Description: Joseph Craig worked on the railways all his life as did his father before him. The recording begins with his description of the work of his father, who joined the Midland and Western Railway in 1923, and settled in Drumshambo, where coal was loaded onto wagons. Joseph s account of his own work during the Emergency period was fascinating to record. NAME: EDWARD DAVIS, AGE 78, EMMET TERRACE, Title:, CD 9 Subject: Survival during hard times Time: 70:02 Description: Edward Davis grew up in poor circumstances. His mother died during her tenth pregnancy, leaving five daughters and four sons. It was arranged that the five sisters would be sent to a reformatory school in Drogheda, with the four boys going to Letterfrak reformatory school in Co Mayo. At the age of 7 Edward ran away to work with the farmers. This recording recalls Edward Davis s many harrowing experiences and some happier times throughout his life. NAME: OLIVER McGLINCHEY, AGE 88, ARDEN ROAD, Title:, CD 10 Subject: The life story of a baker Time: 48:54 Description: Oliver McGlinchey comes from a Northern Irish background. His father came to Tullamore in the early twenties, and opened a bakery there. He had a number of bakery vans which covered a wide area in the Midlands, with Oliver s mother as the boss! Oliver took over his father s business and he recalled townspeople, and the characters who lived and worked in the town of Tullamore. NAME: NANCY AND GABRIEL HARRISON, AGE 63 AND 65, Title:, CD 11 Subject: Reminiscences of school teaching Time: 54:52 Description: Gabriel Harrison was principal at the school in Tullamore, and also taught in Kilbeggan school for some Page: 3
years. He was also an Inspector of Schools for 28 years. Nancy and Gabriel Harrison met as young teachers at a school in Ballymun. This recording provides a rare insight into two lifetimes dedicated to teaching in Ireland. NAME: SEAMUS CLAFFEY, AGE 77, MAIN STREET, FERBANE Title:, CD 12 Subject: A family history Time: 47:04 Description: The recording took place in Seamus Claffey s hardware store in Main Street. Seamus s recall was most accurate in describing his own family history and the landlordism in the area. Also included in this recording is Catherine Crow, who spoke about her peoples history. Other topics discussed include the War of Independence, the Land Act and the Land Wars. NAME: KIERAN AND EILISH KELLY, AGE 79 AND 75, SHANNONBRIDGE Title:, CD 13 Subject: Survival in the bog Time: 58:53 Description: The Kelly house is in the townland of Lecarrow, which lies on the border of one of Ireland s largest bogs. Kieran Kelly worked for 40 years with Bord na Mona, and he recalls all the place names associated with the bog, and traces the many families who survived on and lived off the bog. He recalls the hardships of the 1940s, and the great excitement when the ESB plant was opened nearby. Eilish Kelly spoke about her early days in Ferbane, and the living that her people also made from the bog. NAME: JOHN GERARD KEANE, AGE 64, KILCORMAC Title:, CD 14 Subject: Reminiscences of a rural school teacher Time: 48:04 Description: John Gerard Keane recalls his family origins in West Clare, and his own early days being educated in St Flannan s and in St Patrick s College, Maynooth. In the 1960s, his first appointment was to Newport, North Tipperary. In 1971 he moved to Kilcormac, where he spent the rest of his teaching career as principal in the local school. Page: 4
NAME: PAT WYNNE, AGE 56, ARDEN VIEW, Title:, CD 15 Subject: The spirit of a rural community Time: 53:03 Description: This recording with Pat Wynne provides an eyewitness account of how a community thrived on its GAA games, its parish council, its pageantry and in its gatherings. NAME: MABEL WALLACE, AGE 85, SHINRONE Title:, CD 16 Subject: The landed gentry Time: 55:45 Description: Mabel Wallace was born into the Kenny family in Shinrone. As a child she was pampered by her governess and riding instructor. She married into the Wallace family of Ballincor. This recording deals with Mabel s journey through life in the Church of Ireland tradition in the rural parish of Shinrone, and ends with a description of the Ormonde Hunt and the point to point races. NAME: PETER STEPHENSON, AGE 94, RHODE (Part 1) Title:, CD 17 Subject: Eyewitness accounts of major events in the early part of the twentieth century Time: 71:57 Description: Peter Stephenson provides a very articulate description of how life was lived in the early twentieth century, the major employers, farming traditions, the Fianna Fail party during its infancy, sheep fairs in Ballinasloe and finally the D. Williams s business in Tullamore in the late twenties. NAME: PETER STEPHENSON, AGE 94, RHODE (Part 2) Title:, CD 18 Subject: Eyewitness accounts of major events in the early part of the twentieth century Time: 65:01 Description: This recording provides an amazing account of the Fianna Fail party from 1927 onwards, including some famous speeches before the 1931 election, as witnessed by Peter Stephenson. The conversation continued in the Page: 5
second part of this interview with an account of the growth of the Rhode area due to the arrival of Bord na Mona. NAME: PETER DUNNE, AGE 75, MARIAN CRESCENT, DUBLIN Title:, CD 19 Subject: Reminiscences of an Irish naval officer Time: 62:19 Description: This is a fascinating account of the life of a seafaring man who joined the Irish navy at Haulbowline in Cork in 1950. Peter Dunne recalls many daring events including intercepting gun-runners during the Northern Irish Troubles. He discusses his time spent in the Ordnance Survey Office in Phoenix Park and his pride at being pallbearer for the state funerals of Irish dignitaries. NAME: MOLLY KELLY, AGE 84, BALLYCUMBER Title:, CD 20 Subject: Local folklore recalled Time: 67:08 Description: This recording took place in the home of Molly Kelly, and also with local historian Jim Kenny. The recording captures the local customs, beliefs, superstitions and pisheog-working, as well as local cures. This interview gives a rich account of the many folk practices alive in the countryside. NAME: PADDY HUGHES, AGE 69, ARDEN ROAD, Title:, CD 21 Subject: The driving force behind Bord na Mona Time: 60:28 Description: This account is told by Paddy Hughes, a man who was Chief Executive of Bord na Mona during difficult and good times. He grew up in Kilcoawan, Co Laois, and joined Bord na Mona in 1959 spending the next 49 years of his life with the company. He began as a stoker s clerk, and in 1972 he moved to the transport and quality areas of the business. By 1973 he was in charge of the sod peat works in Timahoe, Co Kildare, subsequent to which he was appointed Managing Director. Page: 6
NAME: TOM MAHER, AGE 67, CLARA ROAD, Title:, CD 22 Subject: The nation s potato specialist Time: 49:36 Description: This recording is an enlightening and fascinating account of the potato crop in Ireland. In the 1960s Tom Maher was appointed to the post of potato crop specialist by the Department of Agriculture and Food. During the recording Tom discusses his other main crop growing experiences, including growing species of Brussels sprouts and strawberries. NAME: JAMES MARTIN, AGE 93, RATHDOWN ROAD, TERENURE, DUBLIN Title:, CD 23 Subject: Engineering our bogs Time: 56:34 Description: When a new semi-state body was set up specifically to exploit the bogs of Ireland, James Martin was appointed as a mechanical and electrical engineer in the 1930s. He was based in Government Buildings, 28 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin. James gives a first-hand account of how the management carried out its business in the early days of the Irish turf cutting programme. NAME: TOM ENRIGHT, AGE 68, JOHN S HALL, BIRR Title:, CD 24 Subject: A political conquest Time: 58:56 Description: Tom Enright gives an account of his early days growing up in Shinrone. He joined the Fine Gael party and was later elected TD for the county. He spent 30 years as a County Councillor, and talks about his many experiences dealing with the public. Tom describes the huge affect of Bord na Mona on life in the Midlands. NAME: JOHN RYAN, AGE 72, BALINCANTY, Title:, CD 25 Subject: A postman s recollections Time: 50:24 Description: This interview with John Ryan describes how a rural postman carried out his work in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, delivering the mail to many homes in a vastly Page: 7
different rural Ireland. He describes how closely-knit the local population was and he was able to trace many of the family names. He recalls delivering telegrams on his bike, and remembers cycling 25 miles each day to deliver the post. NAME: OLLIE CONNOR, AGE 73, KILLADERRY, DAINGEAN Title:, CD 26 Subject: Emigrant days in England Time: 38:34 Description: Ollie Connor grew up in Crohan, on a small farm. During the 1950s he emigrated to England, as did many of the other young men from that area. He speaks about his years working up and down the length of Britain, on roads and building sites. He spent time with McAlpine s, a large employer of Irish emigrants. This recording recounts some stories relating to the young people in care in the reformatory in Daingean. NAME: STEPHEN McNEILL, AND MARY RYAN, AGE 89, CURROWBUE Title:, CD 27 Subject: The last resident of Currowbue Time: 74:56 Description: This recording begins with recollections of the McNeill family, who once lived and farmed in Currowbue. Stephen McNeill pointed out his grandfather s house, fields, meadows and pasture garden. Our tour along the shores of the Shannon continued until we came to an old cottage, where Mary Ryan still resides, having arrived from Roscommon on the other side of the Shannon in 1942. We sat around the hearth, recalling memories of the people who once lived in what was a bustling area, now home to just one member of that earlier community. NAME: JOHN FLANAGAN, AGE 77, NEW ROAD, Title:, CD 28 Subject: An entrepreneur in the construction business Time: 64:31 Description: John Flanagan was born on a small farm in Cappacur and in this recording he recalls difficult times in the 50s when he managed to scrape a living undertaking menial work in the countryside. He recalls how the people who lived on the mountain slopes of Slieve Bloom became Page: 8
his customers, and this was the foundation for what is today a large building firm in Tullamore. NAME: WOLFGANG WALTER, AGE 71, CHARLEVILLE ROAD, Title:, CD 29 Subject: A post-war love story Time: 58:43 Description: This interview recalls memories of the Second World War in Poland. Wolfgang Walter joined the post-war German Army. In this part of his life he experienced many close encounters with danger during the Cold War period. A chain of circumstances led him to meet his Tullamore born future wife in Germany. As a result of her ill health they returned to Tullamore for their retirement. NAME: JOHNNY BUTTERFIELD, AGE 65, BALLYCANTY, BLUE BALL Title:, CD 30 Subject: Farming and politics Time: 48:41 Description: The Butterfield family farmed the land in the Ballincanty - Blue Ball area. This recording creates an image of how farming and politics interacted, and of Johnny Butterfield s huge involvement in many projects, which contributed to a strong local community spirit. He joined the Fine Gael party and also became a correspondent, contributing articles to local and national papers and magazines. NAME: JOHN BRADY, AGE 74, FINTER, KILLEIGH Title:, CD 31 Subject: Living the Irish tradition Time: 47:48 Description: John Brady s background in farming reaches back through many generations. John s father s enthusiasm for Irish culture in all its forms created at atmosphere in the home which was very inclusive of the Irish language, songs, poetry and story-telling. This love of tradition was inherited by John Brady, who created the same enthusiasm in his own family. NAME: RONNIE BRYANT, AGE 66, RATHROBIN Title:, CD 32 Page: 9
Subject: A passion for farming Time: 47:58 Description: This recording reveals and explains how a Church of Ireland family lived in what was a largely Catholic area. Ronnie Bryant describes his days growing up and later joining Macra na Feirme, as well as other organisations designed for the development and well-being of the local people. NAME: FATHER SEAMUS O CONNOR, AGE 82, PAROCHIAL HOUSE, Title:, CD 33 Subject: A missionary life Time: 68:11 Description: Fr Seamus O Connor joined the Columban Fathers, having grown up in Edenderry, where his father had a coach-building business. After ordination he was to spend the next 57 years of his life as a missionary in Fiji and Melbourne in Australia. He completed his missionary work as an advisor in an asylum in Massachusetts. NAME: MICHAEL HANNON, AGE 65, BUNSALLAGH, RHODE Title:, CD 34 Subject: A farming history Time: 40:48 Description: Michael Hannon traces his family back to the time when they worked with the local landlords. He describes the circumstances which led to his people owning the land on which his ancestors had worked. He also describes changes in farming practices and recalls many of the local place names. Finally, he recounts stories about his years working for the ESB. NAME: NOEL MacMAHON, AGE 65, THE GREEN, SHINRONE Title:, CD 35 Subject: A retired schoolteacher s oral history recordings Time: 50:45 Description: In the early 1990s while teaching in the local school, Noel MacMahon found time to travel around the parishes of Shinrone and Ballingarry to record the recollections of elderly people for a local journal which was Page: 10
published some years later, and edited by Noel himself. Now these old tape recordings form an important part of the Collection from Co. Offaly. NAME: SISTER VERONICA GILSENAN, AGE 90, MERCY CONVENT, Title:, CD 36 Subject: A nun s story Time: 44:24 Description: Sr. Veronica Gilsenan spent her life as a Mercy sister. She recalls her days working as a nurse in the dispensary and in the County Home. She worked tirelessly on various committees to help under privileged and disabled people as well as helping unmarried mothers and their children in the town of Tullamore. NAME: MICHAEL KEVILLE, AGE 80, WHITEHALL, Title:, CD 37 Subject: An Irishman in the Metropolitan Police Time: 74:27 Description: This recording with Michael Keville reveals the many trials and tribulations of an Irishman working as a member of the Metropolitan Police in London, at a time when England was a popular destination for Irish emigrants. Michael s meetings with Fr. Eamon Casey, who was the driving force behind many Irish centres are described. We hear how Michael had to cope with the effects of the Northern Irish troubles in Britain, at a turbulent and difficult time for the Irish who lived there. NAME: JOE KENNY, AGE 78, CHURCH ROAD, Title:, CD 38 Subject: Reminiscences of a retired Vocational teacher Time: 59:41 Description: The Vocational school in the 1950s was a very important part of the Irish educational system. Joe Kenny s days spent teaching in the town of Tullamore, and his deep interest in teaching progress in the 1960s and 1970s are described in the most interesting recording. NAME: DENIS DOHERTY, AGE 65, Title:, CD 39 Subject: Managing our health system Page: 11
Time: 52:33 Description: Denis Doherty was involved in the Midland Health Board since the 1980s. This recording provides a most interesting account of how our health system has changed. He held the position of chief executive, and speaks eloquently of the many opportunities to improve the health system which were lost. NAME: MIRIAM O CALLAGHAN, AGE 53, COLLINS S LANE, Title:, CD 40 Subject: A woman s history Time: 49:35 Description: Miriam O Callaghan grew up in the town of Tullamore. She worked for the personnel, recruitment and administration department and later in hospital management, for the Midland Health Board. Her time as an international camogie player in the Irish team is recalled. Later she became a referee, and later still was elected President of the Irish Camogie Association. She also found time in her busy life to become involved in politics. NAME: EILEEN BUTLER, AGE 85, AND JOHN BUTLER, AGE 88, CLONTARF ROAD, Title:, CD 41 Subject: Stories from one of Tullamore s first council estates Time: 56:45 Description: John Butler spent all his life in Clontarf Estate. His wife, Eileen, grew up in Moate, Co Westmeath. John worked with the Williams Group and he and Eileen married in 1947. She had worked as parlour maid with the Williams family. The recording recalls life before the advent of electricity, radio and television. NAME: MICHAEL BRACKEN, AGE 78, Title:, CD 42 Subject: A love for the land Time: 42:46 Description: This recording provides a vivid description of Michael Bracken s background all his ancestors were involved in farming the land. He goes on to talk about his own early days in farming, with all its vicissitudes. Page: 12
NAME: NIALL SWEENEY, AGE 60, CHARLEVILLE VIEW, Title:, CD 43 Subject: Designing Midland roadways Time: 55:58 Description: From childhood Niall Sweeney, first Offaly born native to become Co. Manager of Offaly, took a great interest in the construction of the old roadways and bridges. He inherited his father s enthusiasm for design. He qualified as an engineer and worked in the Midlands, in both Offaly and Laois, and was involved in designing the Laois bypass in 1982. This interview provides a first hand account of the progression of the Irish road system and its environmental impact. NAME: FATHER FRANK BERGIN, AGE 88, SHINRONE (Part 1) Title:, CD 44 Subject: An inspiring priest Time: 80:07 Description: Fr. Frank Bergin comes from a farming background in the Slieve Bloom area, and with his father was involved in horse dealing during the Economic War. After his ordination he worked in Lincolnshire, from 1948, in the Irish Chaplaincy Scheme. He returned to Ireland in 1950 to work in the parish of Shinrone having spent a short time in Co Clare and in Cloughjordon. NAME: FATHER FRANK BERGIN, AGE 88, SHINRONE (Part 2) Title:, CD 45 Subject: A cruel time in our history Time: 21:32 Description: The treatment of some unmarried mothers and their babies in Ireland in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s is something of which we cannot be proud. Fr Frank Bergin s contribution to their wellbeing was very positive in that he found adoptive parents for the babies. He was a pioneer in promoting new adoption laws. This recording also details his ecumenical work in bringing together the Protestant and Catholic communities in Shinrone, which had been divided for many generations. Page: 13
NAME: PADDY FINLAY, AGE 73, DAINGEAN ROAD, Title:, CD 46 Subject: A returned family of emigrants Time: 47:27 Description: Work was hard to get in the Hungry Fifties in Ireland, and many people emigrated, including members of the Finlay family. There were seven brothers in the family, five of whom emigrated, Tom to New Zealand and Paddy to England, with two of his other brothers. His brother Bernie inherited the farm, and his brother Sean passed away. It was agreed amongst the brothers who were abroad to return to Tullamore to form a construction company. NAME: JIM McCORMACK, AGE 80, BALLYTIGUE, Title:, CD 47 Subject: Rural electrification in its infancy Time: 52:20 Description: Jim McCormack joined the Post Office and retired as Postmaster of Tullamore. The recording details his father s work on the railway, the Emergency period at home and his first job drawing marell to create bog roads for the County Council. He has written articles on topics of local interest for English and Irish newspapers. NAME: PADDY McCORMACK, RHODE Title:, CD 48 Subject: The Iron Man from Rhode Time: 43:33 Description: From the small farms in the foothills of Croghan Hill and the parish of Rhode, many greats of Gaelic football emerged, including the Casey brothers, and Paddy McCormack himself. Paddy recalls his glory days on the football field in the 1960s and 1970s. Page: 14
NAME: JOE BURKE, AGE 79, CHARLEVILLE ROAD, Title:, CD 49 Subject: Reminiscences of a retired agricultural officer Time: 53:41 Description: Having qualified in 1954 from Agriculture College Joe Burke was appointed to a new position of Inspector by the Department of Agriculture working in all the counties of the Republic. This interview provided an insight into the pre Common Market days and the infancy of the European Union. Joe describes the major changes which have come about in Irish farming over the last 50 years. NAME: JOHN HUME, AGE 80, ARDEN ROAD, Title:, CD 50 Subject: Radiation management Time: 45:03 Description: John Hume recalls his family s background and his upbringing in Roscrea. He talks about the hardships of the Emergency period. In 1949 he started work on new legislation for the County Council in Tullamore (pensions for road workers). In 1972 he moved to the Midland Health Board and was involved in radiation protection. He worked at monitoring the fallout from the Chernobyl disaster and radiation in the radiology departments of Irish hospitals. NAME: SEAMUS O DEA, AGE 84, DAINGEAN ROAD, Title:, CD 51 Subject: A lifetime in education Time: 56:27 Description: Seamus O Dea grew up in Templemore. His mother was a schoolteacher and his father a hackney driver. While Seamus was attending school in 1937 and 1938, the schoolmaster gave him the job of transcribing the local folklore, collected for the Folklore Commission. He later went on to qualify as a teacher and taught with the Christian Brothers in Monkstown from 1949. In 1955 he came to Tullamore and in 1972 was appointed vice-principal of the secondary school there, where he spent the remainder of his teaching career. Page: 15
NAME: MICHAEL BYRNE, Title:, CD 52 Subject: The Tullamore Historical Society Time: 48:32 Description: Solicitor Michael Byrne was the driving force behind the establishment of the Tullamore Historical Society. In the recording he explains his passion for history and says that it dovetails neatly with his career as a solicitor. Page: 16