Track 1. Berty O’Connor describes his background and, following the O’Connor Clan gathering in 1985, deciding to trace his own family back to the 1700s, researching the Carrigafoyle O’Connor bloodline. He explains a reference made by Dr John O’Donovan in his edition of the Annals of the Four Masters, which said that the original seat was in North Kerry. Berty explains that the family split during the Reformation,with one branch going to West Cork. Track 2. He provides details of the different branches of the O’Connors, the family crest and colours, their enemies and their allies. The importance of the River Cashen locally is discussed, as are the placenames, which reveal much about the place. Track 3. Using a chart to point out family marriage alliances, Berty discusses the established church and the building of Carrigafoyle Castle, strategically placed beside the Shannon estuary in order to collect tolls. He details the sacking of the castle on different occasions, and he tells of the long march back to Leitrim after the Battle of Kinsale; O’Donnell and O’Neill joined with O’Connor. Track 4. A discussion ensues on the meeting in Scotland of John O’Connor from Kerry with King James and also on the branch of the family which went to France. Berty’s meeting with a descendant who provided him with papers in 2001 is detailed, as is the genealogy of the Kerry connections. The confusion relating to family research of the O’Connor name is mentioned.
