Billy O’Connor was born in 1917, and he was recorded while walking through the O’Connor’s land at Mount Mahon, on the outskirts of Abbeyfeale. He explains the meaning of the field names on the journey. He describes his early days growing up in the family public house business, and farming in a small way. From the local people who frequented the pub, Billy learned many local songs and Skellig Lists. These humorous rhymes were writtenabout local people who were unmarried.
While walking through the fields, he sang and recited a variety of those, including two songs: The Fair of Abbeyfeale and Home on the Banks of the Feale, some recitations about Fr. Casey and The Moonlighters, and many others. He also recites from some Skellig Lists which were written by Danny O’Connor, who emigrated to America in the early 20th century.
