John Stack (b. 1923), Part II

Track 1. John Stack explains the old name for the ring fort near Carrahane, as told to him by his grandparents, and he also discusses the duels fought between groups. The platform dancing is recalled and the locations are named. His thatching skills and work he undertook around the area is mentioned. Track 2. John’s grandfather was born in 1848 and attended a hedge school on Savages’ land, he says. He recalls a story about tuberculosis and the stigma which was attached to the disease. The O’Keeffes, a neighbouring family, are traced in the townland of Killeacle (north of Ardfert). He recalls Banna school which was run by Master Casey who taught many of the Anglo-Irish Protestant families in the district as well as the local Catholic children. Track 3. The control of the drawing of seaweed from the strand by the Crosbies, owners of the sand dunes, is recalled from earlier times, and John describes the construction of a golf course there. The rights given to graze cattle on the commonage there are discussed. He also recalls earlier days when visitors to Banna Strand would arrive in side cars, traps and waggonettes. Another memory to surface is that of the village people in Ardfert keeping pigs in houses, and local families such as the O’Connors and Noonans.