EAMONN MONAGHAN, BORN 1929, DRIMKEELAN, MOUNTCHARLES

Eamonn Monaghan explains that the valley of Drimkeelan is the only location in Ireland where sandstone is mined and, on a tour of the valley, he talks about the Cistercian monks who arrived here in the late medieval period and the tradition of mining and stonecutting which has existed here for centuries. Eamonn’s father was in charge of the mine during his working life and his tools are described by Eamonn in this recording. Also described is the carting of stone to the pier at Mountcharles for onward journeying. It is a matter of local pride that Drimkeelan stone was used in the building of the National Museum in Dublin. During the tour of the valley, an old shed which was built in the 1950s and known as a “banker” is described. Stone is being cut in the valley to this day and Eamonn Monaghan introduces stonecutter Patrick Mullhern, who discusses his fine craft of working with sandstone. Also introduced is Michael Mullen, who discusses his involvement in the recent Troubles in Northern Ireland.