Herbert Gow (b. 1934)

Track 1: John Herbert Gow discusses his work on the farm at Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co Limerick. Track 2: Three generations of the Gow family have worked the land at Glenstal, being stewards for the Barrington family in earlier days. Track 3: John Herbert Gow’s father Alick married Kathleen Blennerhassett from Culleenybeg, Beaufort, and John talks about her family. Track 4: The famous tune composed by Neil Gow in the 19th century ‘The Masons’s Apron’ is discussed. Track 5: The two Blennerhassett families of Culleenybeg and Culleenymore are discussed, and the tragic events which occurred during the Civil War are remembered. Track 6: Photographs of the Barrington family of Glenstal are examined and discussed by John Gow. Track 7: Accounts kept by John Gow’s grandfather, who was steward to the Barringtons at Glenstal Castle in the 1880s are discussed. Track 8: Willie Gow, John Gow’s son, who was Head Farm Manager at the Fota Estate in Cork is remembered. Also discussed is a Barrington estate wage book.