M. J. McGEARTY, BALLIVOR, BORN 1929

J. McGearty was recorded at the Credit Union in Ballivor of which he is a founding member. He recalls his family background and the fact that both his uncle and his father were members of the RIC. His father was a native of Leitrim and his uncle John was stationed at Ballivor. After the barracks was burnt during the Troubles, John restored the building and used it as a dwelling, and suggested to M. J.’s father and his family that they come to Ballivor to live and work. The family bought a small farm in the town and m. J., the eldest of eight children, grew up there. He discusses the town in earlier times, his schooling at St. Finian’s in Mullingar and later his time at St. Patrick’s College in Dublin where he trained as a primary teacher. He taught in several rural schools around the country and, in September 1950, he was appointed principal of Kildalkey National School (St. Dympna’s), a rural school in county Meath. He discusses the curriculum, the teaching methods and the pastimes. He also recalls his uncle John’s involvement in the Battle of Ashbourne during Easter Week, 1916.