Keith Johnston (b. 1935)

Track 1: Keith Johnston works as Land Agent for the Lansdowne Estates. He recalls his father, W. J. Johnston who also worked for the Lansdowne Estates as agent. Track 2: W. J. Johnston’s tasks in managing the large Lansdowne Estates are discussed, and Keith Johnston explains his own involvement in fisheries for the estates. Track 3: The people who leased Sheen Falls during W. J. Johnston’s time as Land Agent are recalled, as also are the lands at Dromore Castle. Track 4: Keith Johnston took care of four separate estates which included Garinish Island. He recalls the winding down of the estates. Track 5: The changing landscape, and the tree planting which took place on the Lansdowne Estates are described. Track 6: The work of the Land Agent in the 20th century is described, and Keith Johnston gives his views on the work of the Land Commission. Track 7: Keith Johnston’s father W. J. Johnston worked at Cahir Abbey, Co Tipperary in 1927 prior to taking up his position in Kerry, and Keith discusses his time there. Track 8: The management and control of salmon fishing in Kenmare Estuary over the generations and into his own time is discussed by Keith Johnston. Track 9: Keith Johnston discusses his remit as Land Agent regarding the house, the building, the rents and land on the Deereen estate for the present owner, David Bigham. Track 10: The difficulties and obstacles faced by Keith Johnston as Land Agent during the 1960s are described as is his great affection for Kenmare and its people.