Donncha Ó Luasa

Donncha Ó Luasa is a teacher in Ballyvourney and he travelled to Gougane Barra to meet with Donal Kelleher, a local bagpipe player to compile this recording. Donal introduces the recording by playing a haunting tune on the pipes, and Donncha recounts the traditional story of the association of St Finbarr and Gougane Barra, and the later story of Fr Denis O’Mahony who built the church on the island. Donal describes the archaeological remains which are testament to the existence of layers of civilisation in this remote area of Ireland. He discusses the family names, principally the O’Learys who arrived after the Norman invasion, and recalls the people whose families are buried here. Donal recites his epic poem which he wrote in dedication to Gougane Barra. At the conclusion of the recording he recalls and describes the importance of the fair days in Ballymakeera and other local towns.