CORRAN HERALD A Ballymote Heritage Group Production

Issue No. 5 August Edition 1986 PRICE 30p

Tumuli, Cairns and Barrows near Ballymote A BIT OF On a high ridge of land stret- ching by the eastern end of the townlands of Derroon and Rath- dooney-beg there is a fine complex RURAL IRELAND of earthworks which has already by P.J. Duffy from surrounding areas parted been added to by the uncovering of two more sites. It is fairly safe to In that hilly piece of with their sons and daughters countryside that stretches from assume that all the structures in the as they journeyed in pursuit of area are burial mounds and because Lough Gara to the Curlew a better life in foreign lands. of the number in such a small space Mountains, you may yet find Some were never to return or a high place of importance must be among the people who reside set foot on their native soil given to the collection. They are there, a way of life rich in folk- again; usually identified by the name lore and tradition. In fact, up At a party in New York tumulus, cairn or barrow. until the cultural revolution of in the 1920's an emigrant from Carraun, which because of its the early 1950's there existed this part of Ireland sought to high situation is visible over a large here as authentic a slice of extol the praises of his native part of the countryside, with its rural Ireland as you might find place by reciting these lines;- attendant smaller tumulus is the best anywhere outside of the Geal- known of the group. But now with tacht areas. Here you did find the two new sites showing up a My youthful days round old Seefin study of all the tumuli and their a highly intellegent people, I recall with joy and sorrow relationship in time to one another woefully disheartened by There was Sraugh, Cloonloo and becomes more inviting. Government neglect, and drain- Corradoo, and a place we called Until the local farmer carried ed of a sizeable part of its best out sonic reclamation these sites Kilderra brains by emigration. were covered with a tangle of furze The now defunct station- The maidens fair from this dear spot and briars and this may he the reas- house and platform at Kilfrec I courted with affection, on why when the Ordance survey were once the stage for many In foreign land I now recline, of the area was being carried out in 1841/42 the surveyors failed N) a tearful scene, as parents and linger in dejection. cont. Page 2 notice them. Each of these earthen mounds 874 - 1963 ) is likely to contain a Gist, a box-like this train left baltaghaderraen station on its last run to Kiltree structure of stone slabs in which an .t station - fottowing which the branch linedosed — in inhumed or a cremated burial is February 196] as placed. In general they belong to The pholograph- the precede W Sean Browne. Castle Inn, the Bronze Age; some arc earlier, a slterea , shows locomotive No. 659 formerly Midtand Great some later. A despoiled cairn in the Western Railway No. 13 Rapid buitt 1693 al Broadstone Works. townland of Doomore shows a cist The photograph was taken at Island Road Station en 1956. The laid bare with the large covering slab 650 class 2-4-D5 were used mostly on branch lines. The removed to one side. A Gist discover- engine had the distinctiorr of being the Iasi 2-44 ever to ed on the land of the Andrew Walsh work a passenger train any- n the worid on 25th Sep- at Stoneparks contained the skelet- leber,m 1962. The Guard on the last train of a forty year old female (who from Baltaghaderreen to Kithee on s Mr. Christy Plunkett, now with a food living in retirement at Istand suffered from arthritis) Road. He had been guard on the Klllree train for 34 years. vessel near her head. The branch was opened in 1874 and it had two stops be- The land owner in Derroon is t ween Kilbee and Ballaghader- al Istand Road and Ed- to be complimented for the care mondstown. The capital cost of A laying the line was [50.000. with which he removed the fu r : e covering from these two important PHOTOGRAPH AND CAPTION FROM SLIGO CHAMPION 1963 sites on his land. 7 A BIT OF RURAL IRELAND The mass told us the strange story of a cont, from Par 1 emigration to Great Brittain in man named Gurrie who lived the 1940's and fifties in some near-hand to himself. This In bygone days the real ways vindicated his point of man reckoned was guided by a hub of activity within this view. spirit, who assisted him in do scattered community was Young men from here, ing extraordinary things that undoubtedly the old Seefin who emigrated to England in had failed other people. creamery which for a great the -1940's, and made consider- There was the example of many years prospered under able progress in the building Rockingham mansion near the careful supervision of the industry abroad were the Boyle, where at the time of its late manager Gallagher. Conlon brothers of Liskea, construction worksmen had it was from Sragh that and the Dodds of Chasefield. come from England to cut the the grandfather of the late These boys worked on the roof's timbers. They failed to Harry Heher emigrated more building sites in London along- cut the guide rafters correctly. than one hundred years ago. side another emigrant family. and after several unsuccessful He was the y oung barrister who the Gallaghers of Cashel, near attempts in which a large proposed Franklin D. Roosvelt Tubbercurry, who went on to amount of timber had been for president at a New York establish a vast industrial spoiled, they called in Gurrie primary back in the 1930's. empire. who stated he would have to Roosyelt was subsequently John Dodd later returned take the timber home, to elected, and went on to become to erect the new church at concentrate on markings and the greatest president of the Culfadda. The greater part of- mitrings. Darkie reckioned this United States since George this project was funded by the was nonsence and stated that Washington. Heher eventually late Fr. Rafferty who came he took the timber home to succeeded to one of the highest from Dernagrog, and made his consult and have the assistance fudicial positions in the land, dollars on the American Cont- of his guiding spirit. The move that of chief justice of the inent. The boyish looking was to prove successful for a American supreme court Boxer contractor who constructed few days later he returned the Thomas Connolly, also hailed this impressive building has prepared rafters and lo and from Sragh. In his hay-day he like its benefactor Fr.Rafferty behold, each mitre joint fitted became known as the knocker gone to his eternal reward, correctly. out, and once declared that if Never-the-less, this fine Perhaps his most facinat- given a chance he would -knock church stand there to-day as ing story was the one about spots out of any Irish profess- an enduring monument to mischievous fairies of Meenm- ional. Connolly had little outlet both their memories. In addit- ore, in which he described for his boxing skills. In London ion to Fr. Rafferty, other fine how a colony of peevish little in the late 1930's somebody churchmen, who came from faries who existed there were tried to arrange a fight betw- around here were Father P.J. sensitive to anybody interfer- een him and a young Galway O'Grady from ,Mahanagh, Fr. ing with their bit of territory. boxer named Mairtin Thornt- James McKeon of Moygara There was the case of the man on, but fate intervened, when and Bishop Drury also of who removed a boulder of his father died and he to return Moygara who of course is still stone from an old cave and to Ireland. Thornton later went with us. used it for a lintel over the on to become Irish heavywe- One of the most remark- door in his cow-byre. Immed- ight champion. able characters who ever dwell- iately he was set upon by a There are people still ed jercabpits, was in my opin- gang of angry fairies who around, who like myself rem- ion the late shanachie or story- subjected him to all sorts of ember with affection the late teller and he resided at Corrad- persecution. The poor unfort- Andrew McGill, the Bard of oo. I had the pleasure of meet- unate individual was unaware . Meelroe, and how his contrib- ing with this man hack in the that he had done anything utions to Old Moors Almanac, 1940's when he came to our wrong, but a suspecting neigh- made such a pleasant Christmas district to assist the Conlon bour put him in touch with an reading. family with work in the farm. authority on spirits who resid- Sir Patrick Hannon, A The Conlons who came from ed in the Gurteen area. This British Conservative M.P., who Liskea, had a short time before man who might be described sat in the House of Commons purchased a farm at Phaleesh, as an old fashioned equivalent in the 1940's came from Tavr- and as a youth I had sometim- of a present-day spiritualist, anc; He was a parliamentarian es gone there to assist at the enquired with his subject, if he who truly believed that the harvesting of crops. Darkie had recently interfered with interests of all Irish people, was certainly and extraordin- any old lios or rath that might especially those from western ary man and a gifted storytell- be on his lands. Your man counties, was best served by er. Being young and gullible, I admitted to taking a load of their remaining within the honestly thought at that time stones from the mouth of a commo nwcalth. he was concocting it all. He cave leading to a fort. 3 Yet, even to this A BIT OF RURAL IRELAND The-old ruins is said to be day people continue to talk of haunted by the ghost of young cont. from Page 2 This is Andrew Mulligan, his son Joe Diarmaid O'Gara, the - last where you went wrong", and their famous breed of reigning member of the churn, ed his advisor, "you movedthe horses. slain here by Captain Malby, cover from over the faries. Leave In an elevated setting the Governer of Connaught those stones back at once at the overlooking Lough Gara on when he burned the castle in place where you found them, until one side and landscaped by 1581, and finally altered the you do this, a days ease or peace hundreds of acres of hilly destiny of the once powerful terrain, stands the tumble you will never have"The man did O'Gara clann. These lines taken as he was bid and peace return- down ruin of Moygara Castle, from an old lament have linger- ed to his home once again. at one time the lofty seat of ed on in folklore. - the powerful O'Gara clann. In Young Diarmuid of the royal blood There was the case of yet • their days of glory the head of Shall roam the range no more another man from around this this proud family was lord of His ghost now on a white horse rides place, , who met up with the' the half-barony of Coolavin- Along famed Lough Gara's shore. same experience after finding The remains of this old a number of old ornaments castle show it to have been an Famed Lough Gara, it and a plait of hair in his turf- enormous fortress, around 185 too owes its name to the bank. He took his find home, feet square with six huge tow- O'Gara clann, and has become only to discover his house ers, one in each corner, and more famous in recent years, attacked in the middle of the one situated centre way in because of the discovery of the night and potatoes and vege- each sidewall. remains of a number of ancient tables hurled about the farm- According to the legend celtic lake dwellings along its yard. like the man and the the son of Manus O'Donnell waters edge. Excavation work stones he got no ease until was killed here by a cannon at the lakes out lets in the such time as he returned the ball, fired by a defender, when fifties lowered the loot and reburied it at the spot O'Donnell tried to take the water level in the lake, thus s here he found it. castle in the early years of the revealing distinct traces of These are but a few of sixteenth century. O'Donnell ancient Irish settlements, dat- the dozens of stories told to succeeded in taking posession ing back to pre-christian times. me by the late Darkie Hannon. of the castle and subsequently The lake dwelling or It was years afterwards that I forgave the gunman who killed Cranog was, it would seem, a N, as to discover they were not his son. sturdy construction situated a his inventions but old folklore There is also the legend good distance hack from the generally associated with the of the black nun who was said shore. Its massive base was area in which he lived. I even to have occupied a tower on made up of rocks deposited in found people who assured me the Carrentumple side of the a circular heap and elevated to that most of those stories cont- building. She became known a height of two or three feet ained a good deal of truth; as "the nun in the tower" and above water level. The top It is surprising too how was it appears a member of portion was probably evened the memory of some people the family who probably fell off by the use of smaller stones lingers on- Perhaps it is becau- foul of her superiors, and still and a sticky sub-soil called dab se of the special things they being in holy orders, decided (doib). The dwelling quarters did during their lifetime. You to live out the remainder of consisted of a huge centre pillar had men like Andrew Mulligan her religious life in the tower built deep into the base, and who established the Drumlist- of the castle- usually comprised Of oak, and na stud farm hack in the Old folk tell the story of an outer frame containing 1930's- lie bred pedrigree the notorious sycamore tree several smaller boulders which horses here at a time when the where O'Gara handed crimin- circuled around the pillar and selective breeding of horses als inside his jurisdiction- This was drawn together to be was almost unheard of in this tree was, it seems, located secured at the pillar's tip- The part of the country lie even close to one of the castle's spaces in between were filled employ ed a groom hack in towers, and w as connected to by using wattles laced with a those bygone years of great the building by a gangway lead- durable kind of reed called stringency His famous stallion ing from a loophole in the giolcach. When complete these "Drumlistna Black Prince", tower The executioner march- structures could have looked and his progeny became ed the unfortunate yictim very similar to the wigwams known throughout the length through the loophole and on still used by a minority of north and breadth of Connaught to a platform constructed amid American Indians. Like the Unfortunately this fine stud the tree's branches, where a hill fort the lake dwelling was farm has long since gone out noose was placed around the built for protection. Rafts and of existence, and the Mulligan neck and the entire body other types of makeshift home had changed hands to a plunged headlong towards the bridges were probably used for new owner. ground- contact with the shore, and cont- page 14 FROM THE SOWING OF THE SEED TO THE MAKING OF THE STOOL

by Patricia McNally

Today the 22nd day of but to be skillfully transform- is surrounded with two indent- June 1986, I paid a visit to a ed into a completely new ed black rings. When I comm- carpenter's workshop in a structure. A structure that is ented on how effective these remote area of the `Corran sure to conserve the old ash were, I was told how simple District'. This same workshop tree, possibly even longer than that particular task was, involy could have been visited half a mother earth. This transform- -ing merely a wire being placed century ago, when the mach- ation takes place at the hands on the spinning wood, the inery - entirely pulley operated of Mr. Goulden, a craftsman ensuing friction thus creates and the many hand tools would who has a great skill and a the black rings. Simple it may have been used to produce great love for the wood he be, but the lines were perfectly cartwheels, scythe handles, works with. The wood he uses straight and must surely be so and even `clog soles'. is native ash, white thorn or because of this mans' talent One might expect to find oak if the product is worthy and the great pride he takes in the same machinery rust-eaten, of the old oak tree. So me of his work. and its many wheels locked the timber he uses is that The small table I was with age and lack of use. Ah which his neighbours may shown was carved with the but this was not so, and because have cut for firewood, but same attention and even greater it was not so I am able to reluctant to reduce it to ashes detail. The legs once again relate this article to you, the they take to their neighbour in curved and encased in a deep readers of the Corran Herald. the sure knowledge that it will circle of grained ash and a The workshop is no longer be preserved in one form or further circle of wood placed producing the essential farm another. vertically beneath the table ton. implements of years past, or The old ash tree once it The wood that is left after the `clog soles' we once used has arrived at the workshop is cutting this circle is used to for footwear. From this stripped of its bark by a chain make the seat of the stool, so workshop with its ancient saw, the most modern piece of no part of the old ash tree is machinery, we can now see a machinery to be found in the laid to waste. To appreciate very different form of wooden workshop. The tree is then cut the work that this craftsman structure emerge. into planks of wood and left puts into these tables it is nec- If we are to start at the to season for six months. From essary to bend `on all fours'. beginning we must go back to the seasoned planks of wood That in itself personifies the the old ash tree, it may be the Mr. Goulden will produce craftsman from Coolaney. tree under whose branches stools, tables, chairs, plant The plant stands are you sheltered from that heavy stands maybe even an exquisite made with great thought having shower, on your way home sideboard. These are all of a gone into their design. They from school many years ago. unique design, attributed to stand 2 1 feet high, the legs To another, it may be the tree the one man who will start once again curved and support- whose sturdy branches supp- and finish each product. ing, not one but two shelves orted the rope for the swing The legs of the stool are their centres indented to hold on which you and your friends curved and encased in a perf- any water that may escape the shared many happy hours of ectly formed circle of wood. plant pot. These shelves are play. Maybe even the tree The seat of the stool is carefully puzzling the finest of carpent- from which the ash plant was chosen with attention to the ers all over Ireland because taken, to remind you to close natural grain of the old ash there is no mark of the mach- the gate after you the next tree, and is attached to the legs ine left on their surface. I have time, so that the cows or the of the stool with a very obvious no doubt that they are also sheep would'nt stray onto the skillfully manicured joint, "I puzzling carpenters in Singap- road. don't try to hide the joint" he ore where I am told the same Fifty maybe sixty years says. Indeed it would be a plant stands, made and design- later, the ash tree is cut down, shame to conceal such work- ed by Mr. Goulden , can also not to be used as firewood, manship. The seat of the stool be found. cont. Page 13 Fr. PA Q'GRADY by Patricia McNally

"For three years he rem- ained in America travelling the length and breath of every ciry and it is no exaggeration to say that the Diocesan Seminary in Ballagh- aderren owes its erection in no small measure to the inspiring eloquent zeal and devotion of the Priest and patriot when thirteen years ago he crossed the Atlantic on behalf of piety and learning that the rising generation might prove worthy of their race" (part of the tribute paid to Fr. P.J. O'Grady by the Sligo Appreciation to Mrs. Bridget Kielty for this photo which she has Champion May 15th 1920). preserved all down the years.

Patrick J' O'Grady was He aided and guided This monument born in Mahanagh, Gurteen in still to-day from its eminence his people in their struggle outside the town salutes the 1864. He was educated at against oppression and inculat- visitor to Sligo whether his Ballaghaderren College in the ed in their hearts a spirit of journey be by train or car. ancient and historic Diocese of courageous, manly patriotism. There it stands defying time Achonry, a Diocese which in More than once the was and the elements and in mute later years was to have a new subjected to the harrowing but unmistakable grandeur to Seminary erected with the help persecution of the British law the spirit of Fr. P.J., but the of Fr. P.J. O'Grady's tremend- but he always emerged unscath- sight of thousands of Irishmen ously successful mission to the ed with his high principles still gathering from five counties to honour their martryed dead States to procure funds. He was a fear- to the fore. Fr. P.J. on Sept. 10th 1898 was reward studied for the priesthood at less champion of the poor and Maynooth, where he later had sufficient for Fr. P.J. O'Grady. oppressed and thanks to his His next ministry took a distinguished career. efforts several large tracts of him to Curry and while acting After his ordination he land formerly devoted to graz- as curate for the parish he was ministered in Bohola, Swinford ing cattle were returned to chosen to go to America to Curry, Achonry, Collooney, their rightful owners. He was obtain funds for the erection Galway and Keash. Where ever one of the most uncompromis- of a Diocesan College at Ball- his ministry took him he left ing foes of landlordism and aghaderreen. Most Rev. Dr. behind him a record of work class privilege a man with first Lyster chose Fr. P.J. as the done which to this day remains a great love for his religion, representative of the Bishop, a living monument to him. He then a love for his country and Priests, and people of Achonry was a warm hearted generous in the sure knowledge that this he had untold energy when at exemplary priest and Irishman man whose firm handshake this time it was required to would succeed on this import- was worth its grip and whose ensure the advancement ant mission. Fr. P.J. was an cheerful laughter and good of his peoples' interests. eloquent speaker who never humour disarmed all formality. His lot was also cast in failed to impress his 'listener, Everyone was welcome to his Collooney where he worked whether he preached the Word home and he treated them as for many years as curate and of God or spoke on \behalf of only a true Irishman and priest here again we find the twin the National Cause in Ireland. could. It is not therefore sur- virtues of priest and patriot A warm welcome awaited prising that Fr. O'Grady was loudly exemplified in his work. him in America where already known as Fr. P.J. and is The poor he always had with his fame as priest and patriot remembered still as Fr. P.J. by him, the poor who loved and had travelled across the those who recall childhood cherished their local parish Atlantic. The erection of the memories of their local priest priest Fr. P.J. His courageous monument to Bartholemew and firend. spirit and patriotism came to Teeling had notgone unnoticed "We have a present in New He Ministered in Galway the fore in Sept. 1898 when under his leadership a monum- York a distinguished Irish at the time of the political ent was inaugurated to Barthol- Clergyman and patriot Fr. P.J. movement to redistribute land- emew Teeling, a hero of '98 O'Grady whose mission to the ed property in the late 19th who did a deed of daring at States as to procure funds for century. Carricknagat./ the erection cont. Page 12 6

IRELAND'S SMALLEST CHURCH by Patricia McNally COSTELLO MEMORIAL CHAPEL

One of the hearts is surrounded by When next you pass through a crown of roses, the other by a Carrick-on-Shannon a special stop crown of thorns, the roses represent- should be made to see the smallest ing Mary the mother of God and Church in Ireland, a remarkable, the thorns representing Jesus Christ quaint and exquisite Church built who died to saveHis people. This in 1877. The building is so small tiny Church was built as a result of that it often goes unnoticed alth- the love Edward Costello had for ough it is situated near the promin- his wife, and one may be correct in ent 'Town Clock' which is so assuming that the two hearts obvious to the eye on entering the depicted thus were at his request town of Carrick-on-Shannon. knowing that one day this too This tiny church was built would be his final place of rest. more than a century ago by Edward The Costellos, remembered Costello, a farmer and a business for their kindness and charity, were man, as a memorial to his beloved respected by rich and poor alike. wife who died at the early age of 46. Edward Costello is also remember- The Church has not st ffered ed as being instrumental in the the ravages of time because of the establishing of the Marist Nuns in nature of the stone used to build it. Carrick-on-Shannon. The stone was specially imported This smallest Church in Ire- from Bath in the knowledge that it land is a very beautiful memorial hardened with the passage of time. place that was built in 1877 as a On either side of the entrance result of a man's love for his wife. one can see the monograms set in The ones aspect I found strange is stone. The letters F.M.C. interwov- the glass used in the slabs built at ^ ^1r ^ -"T.i ^ • floor level, which leave the lead en on one and the family coat of '^-+ -^}f ► arms on the other. One is inclined coffins visible. However I have no to assume the letters F.M.C. repres- doubt that Edward Costello had his ent Edward Costello's wife's initials, On entering the Church one is own special reason for instructing whereas one can be sure that the faced with a small white marble glass to be used as opposed to the family coat of arms depicted on the altar complete with tabernacle and marble ususally found marking a other monogram "ne Quaesuieris backed by stained glass window. burial place within a church. extra" when translated reads " seek There are two hearts beautifully Perhaps this is also unique to the not thyself outside thyself". carved on the front of the altar. smallest church in our country.

Interesting Ballymote Heritage THE PRICE OF PROGRESS THE SLIGO CHAMPION; Group Outing SATURDAY; MAY 10, 1952, The above group are organis- Why must man the atomic ing an Outing to places of interest power station build, BALLYMOTE BOYS WIN in the Clare area for Saturday 16th To send Electricity over every land At t'orr;ur Park, 13allymote, on of August. The tour will take in Sunday last. Ballymote schoolboys and every field. defeated Tubbercurry by 6-0 !to Bunratty Castle and the Folk Park Send into the atmosphere 1-3 in a challenge football game. associated with it. It will visit A marked superiority ' in the its atomic dust, second half decided the issue in Craggaunowen Castle with its Drifted by the breeze and the favour of the home team who Bronze Age complex of crannog, were best servo' by E. Hannan, stormy gust. ringfort and souterain. Here also Gerry Cassidy and .100 Cassidy in This atomic dust which lasts the vlolence, P. Matlimon and M. will be seen a re-creation of the 6th Brennan at mid-field and M. three, Century Craft in which St. Brendan for years, C. Caravan . T- O'Connor and J. J. the Navigator is reputed to have Giving cancer to many and Breheny, in the forwards. 'T u bhercurry were best served reached North America. In Ennis to more tears. by .l. haul, J. Lavelle, Moran and there will be an opportunity to visit Do they want to kill all people C. l' ileoyne. Scorers for Balylmote were— the great Abbey of the Franciscan of the human race, C. Caravan (2-0); Mark henry Order and if time permits other Wipe out all the animals from (2-0); A. Mullen and .1. J. Brehony sites of interest will be visited in (1-0) each. this worlds face. Tubbercurry's marksmen were Clare and Galway. Why not go back to wind --.l. Lavelle (10); J. Foul (0-2) A luxury bus will leave the and Moran (0-l) from a free. and water power, Mr. Community Centre at 9.30 a.m. P. Mullen, (Ballymote) So all people can enjoy refereed. and early application for seats should be made at Cassidys or Perrys every living hour. THE CORRAN HERALD and not later than Tuesday 12th. A People of the world to this atomic PUBLISHED IN BALLYMOTE packed lunch is advisable and there power say no, EDITOR JAMES FLANAGAN will be arrangements for evening tea Show the whole world which way on the return journey. This would to go. DESIGN, TYPESETTING appear to be an event well worth AND PRINTING BY joining in. "FASTPRINT" 7 The BULLETS TAWS TOPS AND OTHER THINGS Village Cobbler by Tom McGettrick This is a recalling of simple In this issue of the Corran Herald we are pleased to include a monologue things from a time when the world written in memory of Willie Bourke, was not as confused a place to live who is remembered by many who in as it is now. They tell of a way of would have spent time in his workshop life of young and old that is barely in Collooney, watching his skilled a memory and it may bring pleasure hands reviving their boots and shoes or a little sadness to recall them. extending their already spent life. The greatest changes have taken Willie was the third generation of place in the countryside and the the .Bourke family to carry on the present century has seen practically the shoemaking and mending- trade of all these changes. There is no toy or The skill which was carried on by three generations will no doubt live reaping hook in the shops now, the on to the next generation when it last of the donkey carts is decaying flourishes in Willies' own sons John in the weeds beside some derelict and Gordon. farmhouse and the thatched roof is a special item of interest for the tourist's camera. But the title above All at once remembering the shoes suggests I intend to tell of other ucked 'neath my arm, things. I would take them out and pass Bowling, or bullet throwing them on to see what he could do, On going down the old-street, as it was called when I remember it, the first house on the left, Well he'd take the shoes and before is a sport still popular in Cork. it my eyes, remove the very sole I would gaze through the tiny died out here in the first quarter of window-pane, has he arrived yet Surely now they can 't be fixed the century. The bowl or bullet was whatever chance afore. Ah yes he has ! I see him there, a stone sphere smaller than the his head bent to his task, With frown upon my forehead and sixteen-pound weight used in So I'd lift the latch, descend the feet stuck to the floor, putting the shot. A competitor stairs, stand silent, wait and watch, I would wait with baited breath as I threw it as far as he could along the For the job that he was doing had often did before, "Ah sure leave road. 'I'hc end of the throw was to finish before he could stop. them with me girl, and I'll see what marked bv a bunch of grass pulled I can do" on the roadside where the bullet When the time was right, he'd lift Now the frown was lifted, for I rested. There was a lot of time his head, adjust his eyes to see, surely knew, spent looking for the bullet in the His visitor or customer, whoever it That when the shoes were mended weeds and shrubbery, that border- might be, they would be as good as new. ed the road. Golfers have the sane The greetings passed his work went trouble today in the rough. 'The on, and I would stand and look, He'd place the shoes along with roads were quiet then and long As the old shoe placed upon the other pairs upon the floor, stretches would have little traffic or last was brought to life anew. And start working on the comrade a late summer evening- Sometimes of the shoe he fixed before, 'here would he Pitch .md foss with I would watch the cobbler cut the The time had come to take my never anything more than pennies leather to fit the worn out shoe, leave, reluctant as I go and half pennies on the ground- It And then proceed to secure it with For I loved to watch the cobbler in too is dead as a rural pastime and wax - hemp tacks and glue, Collooney long ago. where it has survived it is a gamblers' Then he'd use the shoe-rasp game- When the potatoes were dug steadfastly until the leather smooth Willie tl cobbler passed on and his the Bane of 'Twenty-five' passed Was ready for the heel ball which workshop stood unused the winter nights until Lent- Thet'e he would brush along the shoe. And we all travelled to Sligo with would he a creel of turf burning on our old and worn-out shoes, athe open hearth and eight neigh- He'd place the shoe upon the clamp, No more "Ah sure leave them with bours round the kitchen table platt take out his pipe to fill me and III see what I can do" the light of the oillamp oh-ing by And if it was his dinner-time, I but instead a stranger tells us there the wall. 'That partieulai scene could sit for longer still, is nothing he can do. would look well in a Yeats' paintirt;. We might talk about the weather, Taw playing started each war we might not talk at all, His workshop it has disappeared soon after the coming of the corn- There was no need, the silence and in its place a home, crake and the cuckoo- It iw as a pleased the cobbler and the child. But Willie Bourke is not forgotten schoolboy's game- \%c don't bear or the work that he once done, the curncrakc anymore- If one were In the silence of the workshop I For his skill held sheer perfection coming home \\ id) ! I tJoight would look around, and his person held delight, moon it was great company to bear The leather in the linseed oil, shoes All this was seen so long ago and the curncrakc in users meadow scattered all around, through the eyes of youth along the way. 'There must have My nose would fill with the many That speaks aloud and louder than been hundreds of them- or it might smells pertaining to his trade, more words set here in rhyme. be returning at d:nvn from an The leather, dye, the glue, the shoes all-night dance or a %w.tke and the the villagers left in. by Patricia McNally. cont. l.Igc I II A Unique Advertising Scheme

Several years ago while sifting through old documents, l came across what at first-sight appeared to be a ballad but on closer examination I found Ulster Bank that it contained many names of Ballymote traders. Further research among the elders and BALLYMOTE descendants of names still extant at that time brought to light the fact that about the middle of the nineteenth century a `commune' of Bally- 0V/ mote traders devised this ballad-type advertising scheme, Ulster Bank copies of which they used as a _ the friendly bank hand-out to their customers:- Manager B. Dempsey "Go to Kean's for lamps, To Gorman's for stamps, Asst. Manager E. Sweeney Go to Kelly's for candy, To Coughlan's for brandy, Go to Flannagan's for malt, To Rogers for salt, Go to Gorman's for tar, To Scully's for a car, Go to Dyer's for jam, T. CASEY . To Hannan's for ham, Go to Smith's for figs, To Murray's for gigs, ^..^. ^.I. Ph. C. Go to II/lackey's for hops, To Flanagan's for chops, YOUR COUNTY PHARMACY Go to Keaveney's for bread, Medical and Veterinary Prescriptions To McGlynn 's for thread, Go to McDonagh's for wicks, To Ward's for sticks, Agents: Go to Henry's for beer, To Cuffe's for good cheer, Coty, Rinin e1, Sans St n ici, Go to Keenan 's for meal, Val dle,, I.tl;theric and (:ycia to Dyers for veal, Go to Dockrey 's for eggs, Il l I,I \(. ti I 1:1 : h: r, li:\I,l.\ .\1O I I• To Henderson's for pegs, I'I I (0 - 1 , 83370 Go to Clarke's for boots, To Hannan 's for suits, Go to Reilly's for carts, To Lyttle's for tarts, Go to Gallagher 's for hats, To Sweeney's for spats, Go to Cawley's for tweeds, To Barlow's for the weed, Go to Parry's for boards, EARLY & LATE To Head McKeno's for swords," LORD EDWARD St. BALLYMOTE Bat Keaney Commdt., (ret)

SWEETS CONFECTIONERY As far as we can ascertain PAPERi3ACK BOOKS just two of the business houses STATIONERY listed above arc trading in 1986 These arc Rogers' and Dockry's CARDS both are situated in O'Connell TEAS, COFFEE AND SANDWICHES Street. AVAILABLE FROM OUR COFFEE SHOP 9 Ballymote Vincent Mc Donagh & Son City BALLYMOTE GLANCING through the August 14, 1915 files of "The PH. (071) 83351 Sligo Champion" I came across the following poem, by J.P. Scanlon, which indicates that NOW IN STOCK full range of NOVUUM, BAYLAY, FAGOR ft INDESIT, FRIDGES, DEEP FREEZE, WASHING MACHINES, Ballymote was ahead of its OVENS, DISHWASHERS Er HOB ft UNITS. times in the quest for the title "City". * SPECIAL OFFERS * How dare you call it just a Town, Or worse than that, a Village AUTOMATIC With scraps of gardens up and down, And little bits of tillage. WASHING MACHINES from £265 How very stupid not to note- FRIDGES from £129 I think it is a pity, All must admit that Ballymote, Deserves to be a City. and Many More Offers They have a Chapel tall and grand, The finest in creation; They have a Police Barrack and They have a Railway Station.

There is a Market on the hill, There is. I hope you follow, A Creamery and Corn Mill In Newtown in the hollow.

A boulevard called Emmet Street, A Pump if you can find it, A Sessions House sedate and neat, A Fair Green just behind it.

Improvements come at every call, They follow fast and faster, You have the stately Loftus Hall, Memorial of its pastor. ray presenting a prize to Patrick Coleman, Co olaney at You have the old historic School, Ballymote Show The best of all I call that; You have a ruined Castle pool, With ivy round all that. Lord Edward1 St, Of Banks you have no less than three Batlymote, CARPET CARE To show how trade has risen; Co. Stigo. 2 (071) 83135 There's just one thing you cannot see SHANE LOFTUS CAR VALET They do not need a Prison. A rea Representative SERVICE Of holiness they have a feast, F.B-D. Insurance P.L-C. Of virtue there's an orgy, EMMET ST. For they have got as Parish Priest, Go, search old Ireland up and down, BALLYMOTE The pick of all the clergy. You won 'r discover any- CARPETS They always lead the van somehow, You cannot find another town Don't ask me why, I pray thee- Whose beauties are so many. PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED IN YOUR OWN HOME They even have as Doctor now, Embosomed in its sunny vales A brilliant local lady. WORK CARRIED OUT WITH Enchanting I have found it, NO DISTURBANCE OR MESS A Postal Service up to date, Un rivalled verdant hills and dales, The Telegraph humming, Encircle and surround it. ALSO CAR UPHOLSTERY A Postman who is never late- If you deny the claims I quote, SERVICE The Telephone is coming. I think it is a pity, They haven't got a local Press, For I submit that Ballymote ....QUOTATION FREE.... . I dont'suppose they mind it, Deserves to be a City. They read the "Sligo Champion ", yes And full of news they find it. J.P. Scanlon- PH..(071) 83110 lo BULLETS, TAWS, TOPS Top spinning was anottte, Slates and slate pencils were AND OTHER THINGS pastime. it had limited appeal. The still used in the schools. There were cunt, from Pat;r 7 top of the time was of hard wood a most economical stand-in for the corncrakes would still be continu- with a spike on which it spun. copy and pencil because after each ing their tireless calling, and the Some boys carried tops in their exercise the slate was wiped clean farm y ard cocks would have joined pockets with a long piece of cord (there is a metaphor there) and was in then and a dog somewhere asking which they wound round it to put ready for the next question. Some who was there. The young people it spinning. These tops were sold in may still remember Miss Ward's today would not know what you the shops. shop in Teeling Street, where these meant if you said you were up at 'Going in the Feet' coincided slates were sold, some with neat cockcrow. with the taw playing season but last- wooden frames and some lined so Taw playing had all the elem- ed until the summer was over. It is that handwriting could be practiced ents of keen competition, skill and difficult to describe the joy of on them. The slate could even be strict rules to make it a fine discip- galloping off that first day with the handed on from one member of the line for young boys. Like the boys. shoes discarded. Those who still family to another. The reading Like the blossoms on the whitethorn wore shoes begged leave of their book was like that too, The Third or the mushrooms in the fields parents to be allowed to put them Book, The Fourth Book and so on when the time came taws appeared away for the summer. There were and these are still treasured in some almost overnight. They were in a plenty of soft paths and safe places old collections. box in almost every schoolboy's to wander then and broken glass Truly' The old order changeth yield- bag or in his pocket. There were was almost unheard of. If there wa ing place to new' dishes or them in the shop windows. a bottle or jam pot about the For the game was a ritual. Someone beggar-man who called regularly called 'First for a ring' and this was collected them and he got a halfp- followed by 'second', 'third', and penny for them. The most likely 'fourth' being called, and so on. damage to the leather-like foot sole Five players was the ideal number was a 'stone-bruise' and it could be PAzAOÁVA45 for the game as a taw could be nasty for a while. placed on each corner of a foot square ring and one in the centre. The first caller then asked the last caller to show 'pink' and this was the spot, a yard or more distant from which each player fired off with his crock taw, a taw much FOR BETTER VALUE IN bigger than the ones on the ring. it he hit a taw from the ring ke kept it DRAPERY & FOOTWEAR and had another shot. if the crock taw after any shot came to rest inside the ring the player was said to be 'fat' and had to retire from / the game. This was something like wr• ^- avin being caught offside or in the square in football. If one player hit another player's crock taw with his he was LORD EDWARD ST. BALLYMOTE said to hake "killed' him and he had to retire from the game. Ph. (071) 83354 There were variations of the game. In one of these the players had to reach a series of holes as in golf. 'there were so many rules that a booklet could he compiled on them. Many a school playtime and CASSIDY'S many an evening on the road or on the footpath as spent playing taws. Newsagents Ballymote When the season was oker with the approach of sum mer holidays a skilled player might have collected • COOKED CHICKENS three or tour hundred taws. There • CONES & ICE CREAM s ere often buried in the garden : d the spot marked until the next • CONFECTIONERY season- I his scems to hake part of the ritual. In a thousand y ears' tims if one of these hoards is unearthed the •trchacologist of the time with NCF FRESH CREAM DAILY the accustomed certainty of hi. FRESH COLESLAW AND FRESH SUMMER SALAD kin i will probably explain them as p'. ,"iired droppings of some prehist- o •,c sheep or goat. This article twill n n .. have sun iced to put hi:n right- 11 THE MAN I NEVER KNEW

God and was not selfish with his by Ben Smith musical talent as he would perform whenever he was asked to do so. Music was not his only talent. lie Very late the following was also an amateur actor and treat- night, Brendan called me again ed us to many an enjoyable evening "I'm just back from Sligo, Fred was with his characters on the atage". taken to the Chapel tonight and he He went on to say that is being buried tomorrow after when charity required his The ringing of the tele- 11 o'clock mass in Killavil''I presence, he never spared phone wakened me from my replied, "its short notice, but I'll himself. Long was the list of slumber at 1.10 am., my be there, I'll take the boys with me his good deeds and many younger brother, Brendan, and will meet you there". people were in his debt, not in who was wide awake spoke Next morning, I wakenec monetary terms, but in and said "Ben, bad news. Fred's my two sons at 6.00 am. my favours not returned. He never dead", silence "who" I repl- wife, who had decided to go said a wrong word about his ied, not being quite awake. also, was already awake as we neighbour as he could always Fred, Fred Finn, Roses husband - had to make an early start. see some good in everyone. He I've just received word from Sligo, The weather forecast indicated continued thatnot least among; it seems he had a heart attack. One sleet on the day of our Fred's many accomplishments of the neighbours 'phoned me". I journey and as we set off, was his sportsmanship. He responded" What are you going to frost and ice on the side streets apparently played hurling and do ? - do you intend going down ?" glistened below our headlights. gealic football in his youth "Yes", he answered, I'm going The main roads were not too and became all Ireland Hand- to call the rest of the family and bad until we had journeyed ball Champion. then I'll get back to you". "Fair half way and then the sleet He emphasised that music enough, let me know" I said, came down and it started to was his forte which carried hanging up the phone. snow, making driving much him through the county of Not being able to return more difficult. Sligo and across the seas, to sleep, I started to think - We finally arrived at my spreading joy wherever he went Fred ? Who was Fred ? Fred sister's house at about 10.15 am as his music displaying his love was married to my youngest and joined the rest of the of life told the congregation sister for 13 years and lived in family before heading off to that his gift from God is given Sligo which is 150 miles from the Church. The road to the to so few of us. He said,"Now my home. I must have met Church could just about his fiddle is silent, but I'm sure him no more that a dozen accommodate two cars side by Fred will have no difficulty in learn- times during this period and side and we had been told that . ing to paly the harp and join the then only for a short time. He parking space had been reseryed heavenly orchestra ". was a traditional Irish fiddle for us in the Church grounds. I As I sat there in Church, player, well known in the West was very glad about this as cars I reflected "Is this the same man I of Ireland, especially around were parked for about a mile Knew ?, Quiet, Fred Finn of the Ballymote and Bunninadden, on each side of the Church, gentle smile - This was a man I his homeland where he played bumper to bumper. never knew !" After Mass, a. at Ceili Dances and in pubs At the Church, we had to Fred's coffin left the Church, and any other establishment struggle our way in to the pews we were met at the door by a where Irish music was played. reserved for the family of the tall Piper, resplendent in his 1 remembered that during deceased. Killavil Church is full dress uniform, who played 1972 he had go ne to America small, even for a country chur- a lament and accompanied the on Tour with a ceili band and ch and the crowd on that day coffin to the hearse. Men and he had even made afew records would have filled a building women wept openly and and appeared on television. He twice its size. Six priests were ashamedly in the heavy falling always appeared to me to be a on the Altar to celebrate the snow without a care for their gentleman in the true sense of Mass for the repose of the soul own inconvenience and the word - a gentle person who of Fred Finn. The Parish Priest discomfort. was also useful with his hands read the eulogy revealing Driving slowly behind the aspects of Fred that I never and willing to tackle any job. I hearse to the cemetery , We also remembered that he was a suspected. "Fred Finn"the were stopped at the outskirts cattle farmer and was born priest told the congregation, of the town by the owner of and bred on the family farm, "will be missed by many in this the local pub, the "Rosin the only boy with four sisters, gathering and also by the greater Dubh" a pub where Fred play- apart from that I knew little part of Co. Sligo. He was a gifted ed -at least two nights a week. about the man. musician, knew his gift was from 12 FR. P.J. O'GRADY He was Very Rev. Fr. P.J. 0' not a man whose outlook and Grady died after a severe illness cont. from Page 5 ambition were concentrated in which lasted 12 months. What- of a Diocesan self or personal advantage. ever he felt he always kept a Fr. P.J. had a big heart, a College in Ballaghaderren, the cheerful face and it was only centre of a thickly populated cheerful person with tremend- ous vitality. In no way did he within the last few weeks when district in Mayo where for he was obliged to confine him- centuries an industrious farm- spare himself, and he was never wanting in friends or self to his room that he admitt- ing class have striven to wring ed that the hand of death was from their small holdings suff- support in any project he ever undertook. He was responsible upon him and he resigned icient means to keep the wolf himself to the will of His Creat- from the cottage door and the for renovation of the Parish Church in Keash and the or. Two Mercy nuns, one his no less careful visitor, the niece St. Eithne were specially landlord's minor - pressing for construction of a road from the Church to the Parochial permitted to be present at his the rent" (from the New York beside in the last weeks of his' Irish World and American house. White Hall which still Industrial Liberator October stands to-day was built through life. He died on May 8th 1920 19th 1907.) his energy and perseverance. and was buried in the family The Government at this On Garland and Sports burial ground in Gurteen 6 time in our history had a lack Day he arranged to have miles from Keash. His cortege of funding for the erection of Countess Markievicz visit Id was three miles long N. ith 80 Catholic Schools and Colleges. address the people of Kea. h. cars, at a time when cars were And so the people of Achon' Fr. P.J. was to leave many last- few. All followed the steady ing tributes in his Parish of in need of a college and find- downpour of rain the man, ing their own funds insufficient Keash as he had done in his previous parishes. He is still priest and patriot who had the turned with reluctance no heart and courage of a lion doubt but with a confidence remembered by Mrs. Bridget Kielty who was a native of and the gentleness of a child, borne of experience, to their and who left behind him many brothers, sisters and friends Keash now living i, ' the town who were across the sea. of Ballymote, she remembers lasting tributes that bear People - Ireland's exiled sons Fr. P.J. as the first priest to eloquent witness to his lifelong and daughters who went in give a tea party for the `First work. search of a home and freedom Holy Communicants'. Mrs. (With gratitude to the staff of to find it under the protecting Kielty recalled the pony and the `Sligo Library Archives' in wings of the American eagle. trap used by Fr. P.J. when he the Court House Sligo for These people had already heard would visit the school. He took great pride in the pony and trap access to the old issues of the of Fr. P.J. the people's friend, Sligo Champion) friend and supporter of the which took prizes in the early poor and oppressed. He cared shows in Ballymote. The pony Starlight had a bell around his little for brushing coat tails Narrative Patricia McNally with `shoneen' gentry or the neck to signal the approach of landed proprietors and when- the smiling gentle priest who ever a blow was to be struck did as much in his lifetime for for the poor man he was there, the good of his country, and courageous, fearless and her people whom he served indomitable. And so Ireland's well. ex-patriot welcomed Fr. P.J. and gave generously when he THE MAN I NEVER KNEW called upon them for their cont. Page 11 financial support during his •A three years in the United States "Sorry for holding you up" fiddler spoke out "That was our of America. he said, "But we won't keep you farewell to Fred, but his is how we On his return from Amer- long"Then the lone Piper led are sure he would like to be rem- ica Fr. P.J. was promoted to the hearse, and a guard of embered" All at once, the air this pastoral charge of Keash. honour of about 40 musicians was filled with the joyful Here he found a new field for flanked each side of the hearse, sound of happy music which his energy and labour and the each carrying their instruments not even the cold biting wind parish was to bear a striking - flute, penny whistle, fiddle and winter's cold white flurr- testimony of his guiding hand & bodhran. The Piper struck ies could overcome. in its religious social and ind- up a lament and let us through Later, as we were return- ustrial progressiveness. He immediately set to the town to the graveyard on ing through the town, I asked uplifting the conditions of the the far side, accompanied all a local if this was the usual type people under his charge. The the way by the honour guard, of funeral for Sligo and in spiritual needs of his people each person unmindful of the reply he said "That was not; just catered for, he was happy to mixture of sleet and snow fall- any man we buried today, that was spend his time with them ing around them and contin- FRED FINN". Once again I was discussing ways and means for ued at a walking pace up the reminded that Fred was a man one project or another. hill to the final resting place. I never knew ! 13 FROM THE SOWING OF LIE SEED TO THE MAKING Memories of Carnaree OF THE STOOL My mother was great with cont. from page 4 the spinning wheel and we would prepare the wool for her on the card holders. The In addition to the ash, Mrs. Flannery (nee Quinn) a wool would then be used to white-thorn is also used in the former native of Carnaree speaks of_ make our clothes, trousers for making of the stand. The white her youth in the early part of this the men, cardigans for the girls. thorn is `turned' into several century. Buttercups, bracken, moss and small ornamental pieces of ragworth were used to dye the wood with wood-cutting chis- wool, which was soaked along els. The finished pieces are We had no alarm in those with the weed and would then placed along the top shelf days so we waited for the cock come a lovely birght yellow to crow and knew it was time colour. If we had black wool of the stand to ensure the to get up for school. If our safety of the potted plant. The from the sheep my mother awaated caller was late then we would knit, what was called, stands are not only ornamental went to school without out salt and pepper socks. The but are also of a practical use usual breakfast of porridge men wore their trousers just as and are fit to grace any hall. and prepared our hands for far as the knee in those days. I was finally shown an oak inevitable slap of the ruler. The complete sheep fleeces sideboard, worthy of the stat- Our teeth gritted and hands held forth we accepted the were sent to the woolen factory ely ancient tree from which it in Coolaney where it was used was produced. The birds dep- punishment, consoled with the for manufacturing serge suits. icted on the centrepiece of the inner promise to `kill' the old Our dresses were made sideboard were copied from an cock when we got home from school. This promise was never from the material of the empty old 4 penny (4d) stamp and flour bag which my mother carried out because on return- would dye with ragworth and that tells a tale of its own. On ing home the cross old cock either side of the doors are various other shrubs. We wore would let us know who was them proudly as did our friends bunches of grapes, carved boss and the further away we from the piece of wood that who used the empty flour bags stayed the safer our heels for the same purpose. was left on the surface for this would be. The education we We were totally self-suff- purpose when the wood was received, Shakespeare, Geom- icient, all our clothes wer being cut. This shows the fore- etry, English,Irish, Geography, home-spun, our food home thought that this craftsman Sums and History took us to grown, and we churned our puts into his work. the far corners of the world own butter and of course As I looked at the side- where we could hold out own baked our own bread. and further our education if board and beside me the man I have fond memories of we so desired. Christmas. A pig would be who carved it, I pictured the When we came home ancient oak standing solid and killed six to eight weeks before from school we helped with and we would have to watch it masterful in the open country- the work on the farm, making being smoked over the hearth side, and now the sideboard, ropes for the hay in the fire all this time. However we eventually caryed from it, takes summer-time, and helping knew it would be shared out its place of honour in the with the animals in the winter, on Christmas day so we were doing whatever was required happy enough in the waiting. drawing room of the man who of us whatever the season. If carved it. The birds who once At times we had great there was time left for play we gatherings in the house when sang from the branches of the would play Taws or hop tree now bring their song to we were visited by our neigh- scotch but we did'nt have bouring musicians, John Joe, the home of Mr. Goulden the much free time with all the Willie and Jim Coleman and man who immortalized them work needed to be done on the Prestons. The lamp would on the centrepiece of the side- the farm. stay lit to the early hours and board,what contrasting pictur- sparks would be lifting from es yet both produced from the blowing, illuminated manuscr- the old cement floor with the single seed that was sown ipts, highly ornamented metal dancing. Our parents would go centuries before. and decorative stone and wood rambling to leave us to our multi-talented people. To-day carvings. Many accepted but as merriment if we were celebrat- in a remote Corran District I can clearly be seen from this ing special occasions like birth- saw the hands of a gifted yet article our country was not days. humble craftsman. A craftsman left without the craftsman They were good days, we who carried on at home and in were lucky in that we were whose like was during `Irelands' self-sufficient. Life was very Golden Era', held high in est- so doing ensured the preseryat- simple and easy-going and eem throughout Europe, and ion of his skill and talent the revolved around the home and who were invited to many ofits like of which may be seen to seasons of the year. cities, to enhance and enrich this day the 22nd day of June them with their talent and skill. 1986 in a remote area of the These skills included glass Corran District. Narrative Patricia McNally 14 cont. from Page 3 these would be dismantled at BOOK of BAIIYMOTE nightime, giving the people' inside a definite advantage ini PERRY!? the event of an attack. IRELAND'S TREASURED Lough Gara had been! BOOK GEMS noted for one other thing, that is, at certain times of year it Devotedly maintained in (Ballymote had a penU ant for claiming the Library of the Royal Irish the lives of people who happen Academy, Dawson Street, CLEAN YOUR CARPETS to enter into its waters, and a Dublin, is one of the most QUICKLY EASILY AND number of young men have precious collections of ancient THOROUGHLY drowned while swimming manuscripts and books to be Operating a Puzzi is as there. A popular ballad was found anywhere in Europe. In quick and slmple once written, lamenting the' fact, Dublin has few sources of as using a vacuum passing of a y oung squire whop greater pride than the priceless cleaner, drowned after venturing into' manuscripts which were so what the writer described as eagerly acquired over the past "The deep and (lase waters in the two centuries, and so worthily lake at Coolavin " preserved in its archives. Even as I write this article Undoubtedly, the most treasur- word has come through that ed of these are :An LeabharBreac. the lake has claimed yet Annala Riochta Eireann, Leabhar another victim, and a young Mor Leacain, Book of Ballymote, Dutch fisherman has drowned Domhnach Airgid, Leabhar na while swimming there- hUidhre, Leabhar Ui Maine, and the If viewed on a summer's Book of Fermoy. evening, the scenery around The Book of Ballymote, FOR HIRE AT KEENEST the castle and the lake shore is written in 1391, in Bally mote RATES breathtaking, with miles and Monastery, Co. Sligo, also miles of unspoiled countryside, preserve the only other oldest •••••••• almost totally free from the: copy of the "Book of Rights"- ravages of modern day pollut- It has 251 vellum pages, each SPECIALS ion. with attractive ornamental HB Block Ice Cream .. .89p Should you decide to: capitals. It also contains the '/ lb. Lyons Tea 82p take a trip to this historic land alphabet key to the ancient 1kg Sugar 59p mark, then after you have been, Ogham script (as seen on stone 1 lb. Butter 1 09 there, head out across the' edges throughout the land), 1 lb. Tin Peaches 39p county in the direction of the genealogies, Greek Romances. 4 lb. Chicken 3 25 Curlews. There you will sec a ancient laws and some history Shoulder Bacon min weight tranquil piece of the real Irel- all in Irish. At least three 10 Ibs 75p per lb- and, its hills and dales dotted' scribes arc identified with it: FRIDGE FREEZER with cosy homesteads, and aj Maghnus O Duihhgheannain, Winner Catherine Lavin community enjo y ing a stands Solamh 0 Drama and Rohertus Rath mu lien and of living that far exceeds. Mac Sithigh- l an y thing experienced by! former generations who dwell' ed here- The children enjoy a level of education that was'nt available to the majority of their parents The people w hi belong here, whether at home g D'?5'.nagh or abroad, love this place For all of them it is home and their KEASH hearts will alw ays he there.

EDITOR'S NOTE.: Items o$ local folklore, such as those. FUNERAL DIRECTORS related by the late John (Dark ie) Hannon, will be lost forever Personal Attention Assured if not recorded- If you havd

any knowledge of such folklore + yourself, or if you know some PH. (071) 03400 hot)). who has, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US. limeremommommik 15 Community Radio in Ballymote

by James Flanagan All this was not accomplished Patrick Sarsfield after without hard work and meticulour marching some 40 miles over- July 14th - 19th was a unique week planning. To the organising Comm- night from Jamestown over in the history of Ballymote . For ittee gread credit is due. It consist- the Curlews, surprised the each of those six days at certain ed of:- John Perry (Chairman), Alfie Sligo Garrison, captured the hours it was possible to switch on Banks, Mary Brennan, Peter Brenn- "Gap" and held it open for one's radio and hear Radio Phobail an, David Casey, Stan Casey, Jude the Jacobite forces but all to Baile an Mhota coming loud and Cassidy, Kathleen Doddy, Brenda no avail, the Jacobites could Duffy, Brendan Friel, Martin Golden clear across the airways. For those only muster 20,000 men and 6 days RTE 1 and RTE 2 and all the Alison Healy, Keenan Johnson, Tim Cannon while the Williamites others faded into insignificance as Kelly, Brigid McGettrick, Mary fielded 45,000 men and 60 Ballymote's local "station" took McGettrick, Martin McGettrick, the air and dominated all attention Tom McGettrick, Victor Martin, Cannon. and all conversation for the week. Dominic Murray, Paddy Ryan, The "Gap" is associated A week of local broadcasting Eamon Scanlon. On the RTE side with the legend of King Eogh- provides a community with a uniq- Padraig O'Neill (alias Paddy O'Brien) an Bell one time King of ue challenge and a unique oppor- was Director, and Kevin Fowley, Connaught, now reputed to be tunity. Like it not, each programme, Brian Mulvihill and Conor Rahilly buried face downwards on the once gone out, conveys unalterably were Technicians. Transmissions slopes of Knocknarea. In A.D. a message from an image of the were on 202 metres Medium Wave 537 according to the Four community that produced it. There- and 96.2MHz VHF/FM. The hours Masters, two sons of the late in lie the challenge and the oppor- of broadcasting were 4.30 - 6.30 on monarch and some supporters tunity: to present an image and a Monday 14th, 11.30 - 1.30 and rebelled against the authority message that faithfully and vigorous- 4.30 - 6.30 on each of Tuesday, ly portray the richness of the life of Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and of Eoghan Bell the then King the area. 11.30 - 1.30 on Saturday 19th. of Connaught, and were assist- That the Ballymote area had ed by Northerners from Ulster. profound richness of life and exper- The opposing armies met at ience has always been known. That Sligeach (Shelly River) where Ballymote rose magnificently to a fierce battle took place in respond to the challenge and grasp which, we are told:- "The the opportunity of presenting COUNTY SLIGO Sligheach bore to the great sea comprehensively this life and exper- the blood of men and their ience during its week of broadcast- (Gap of the North) flesh". ing is now well known also. For the week nothing else was talked about. by Batt Keaney Although their King was Every day during the hours of broad- mortally wounded, the Conn- casting droves of people watched as County Sligo is endowed aughtmen were the victors and local amateurs turned themselves with unsurpassed beautiful in accordance with instruct- into instant professionals in the scenery and ancient lore, nestl- ions given before he expired, unfamiliar confines of the RTE ing in a deep valley between Eoghan Bell was buried on mobile studio parked outside the Knocknarea in a standing Community Centre. Through them, Macve's Knocknarea and in his all aspects of life in Ballymote and Benbulben, said to take its position, his Red Javelin the surrounding areas were covered, name from Gulbin son of Nial hand, with his face towards competently and thoroughly. One of the Nine Hostages and Ulster. While he occupied this could only marvel at the wealth of associated with the legendary , .position, it was said that the activity, tradition and entertainment love flight of Diarmuid and Connaughtmcn were upcony- revealed. No one item will be singl- Grainnc. uerablc. But the Ulstermen ed out for special mention: all Looked upon as the learning the cause of their deserve equal praise and recognition. "Gap to the North", it figured disasters, disinterred the King's The balance between the old and prominently in the wars of the body and to counteract the the new, between town and outlying spell reburied him face down- areas, and between the young and Gael and the Gaul. It was not so young, was very well kept. O'Donnell's county and wards. The endless stream of requests through the "Gap" marched The "Gap" is also assoc- provided great excitement and Red Hugh and his Galloglass iated with the "Battle of the involvement for countless scores of on their way to victory over Books" - To every cow her others. Sir Conyers Clifford at the calf and to every book its copy. Truly it was a memorable Yellow Pass in the Curlew With which St. Columcill did week. Out of it all there emerged a mountains, where they won a not agree and declared his own confident procture of a dymanic resounding victory over the private war. community deservedly proud of its English. When William landed past and its present, and optimistic in the North in 1689 he had about its future. The challenge and practically the entire province the opportunity were well met and used. in his possession. 16 OUTING TO NORTH MAYO It was absolutely fascinating The second Annual General to stand in the floor area of this Meeting of the Ballymote Heritage house and try to think yourself Group held recently in the Castle back into the time of those remote Hotel marked the end of two very On July 20th a most rewarding ancestors of ours, whether Neolith- successful years of existence for the and enjoyable outing to North Mayo ic or Bronze Age. Whence had they The resignation of the Presid- was organised by the Ballymote come and why ? What laws did ent Mr. Tom Tighe owing to work Heritage Group. There were focal they obey ? What gods did they pressure occasioned some office points to the day: Moyne Abbey worship ? Were they tall or small, changes as follows: and the prehistoric sites found dark or fair ? Does their blood still President ...... Tom McGettríck under the blanket bog near run in our veins ? Vice President. Yvonne Perceval Moyne Abbey, near Killala, is Other interesting remains are Chairman Keenan Johnson the remains of a 15th Century to be seen here, such as Bronge Age Vice-Chairman ...... Stan Casey Franciscan Abbey (or Convent). ridges fro tillage, still clearly discern- Secretary Eileen Tighe The walls are in fine state of preser- ible. Treasurer Michael Tarmey vation so that the plan of the whole On the return journey a brief P.R.O. Una Preston building is clearly discernible. The stop was made at Ceide to survey The Secretary in her report site, now a national monument, is the high landscape under whose gave a brief run down on the main very well worth a visit. It is how- logs very extensive prehistoric field activities of the past year. These ever scandalous and disgraceful that systems exist. A stop was also made included some local outings, and the rather long access route from at Downpatrick Head to savour it two very interesting long distance the road to the Abbey should be so wild and bleak beauty and to tours to the Boyne Valley, and to shockingly filthy and difficult to wonder at the power of the sea. Devenish Island. negotiate. Finally a stop was made in A lecture and a session of nat- The next site visited took the the very modern town of Ballina to ive music arranged by the County visitors back a further 4,000 years satisfy some demanding twentieth Board of C.C.E. and by U.C.G. in time. This was the prehistoric century appetites and an enjoyable marked its begining of the winter farm found at Belderrig Beg, beyond day drew to a close. season, while its preparation and Ballycastle. Before the blanket bog Sincere thanks are due to launching of its "Corran Herald", began to grow in this area, i.e. Noel Dunne who acted as wide the town's furst publication, was before 3,000 B.C., the landscape throughout the day. also regarded as a worthwhile ach- was rich and fertile and covered in ievement. pine forests. Around 2,900 B.C. a group of Neolithic (New Stone) Age farmers settle( here. They cleared STEP IN - STAND OUT the forests with implements of stone and flint and laid out fields TRUE VALUE IN SHOE VALUE divided by stone walls. Today, TO BE FOUND AT where the bog has been cut away, we can see the remains of theses walls resting on the surface immed- iately below the peat. KIERAN O'DOWD After maybe a few centuries the area was abandoned, 'The hog was then free to grow over the fields leaving only the tops of the walls visible in places and the forest spread back to engulf the landscape. 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