MATT FOGARTY, AGE 73, DROMINAGH (Part 1)

Matt Fogarty runs a tree farmer centre close to the shores of Lough Derg. He lives in an old lodge dating from 1780, once owned by the Biggs estate. It was sold in 1855 to the Fortune family. Matt’s grandfather bought it in 1874, and both Matt and his father were born in the house. His uncle was Brother Paul O’Meara of Mount Saint Joseph Abbey, and was one of the O’Mearas from Islandmore. Matt’s mother also came from Islandmore. I recorded some fascinating stories associated with the island and one tragic story related to the drowning of one of his uncles in 1926 while taking livestock from the island. After this his mother never liked the island, and never returned. I recorded many other stories about life around the shores of Lough Derg, and about shooting pike out of the lake. Matt’s father and grandfather threshed for other people at the beginning of the last century, and would travel long distances in order to do so. I left Matt Fogarty pleased in the knowledge that I would return another day.