Michael Fleming (b. 1913), Part II

Track 1. Michael Fleming outlines the history of his own place at Fossa (Grenagh House), Killarney. All the neighbouring land, he explains, was leased by a Tralee man, ‘Ponsert’ Connors, and he further explains that the name came from the time when this man was involved with a circus and was named after the panther (corrupting the name). He says that his wealth came from his butchering business in Tralee, and that he had the contract with Ballymullen Barracks and the barracks in Bantry, Co. Cork. Track 2. Michael displays on a map the 96 acres he purchased in 1939 with money left to him by his grandfather, and building the house and sheds. In this track he also returns in memory to 1921 and the Troubles.
Track 3. He explains that he worked well with horses on the farm, breeding and rearing them for ploughing. He recalls his first car bought from ‘Tommy the Master’ from Kenmare, a Ford agent. He also recalls the day he gave up drinking 63 years previously and declares that he has never drank since. He spoke about the workers on the farm including milking maids Mary and Nell Harvey, Hanna O’Sullivan and Mary Moriarty. He also explains the reason why his mother gave him to his grandparents to be reared. His love for traditional music and playing the accordion for the Biddy Festival is recalled, along with the dances in open houses and other locations, such as platform dancing. He has fond memories of the sheep breeders’ ball, often attended by Bishop Eamon Casey. He discusses the influence he brought to bear in starting the first marts and recalls the opposition from farmers who did not want to change from the fairs. He organised the first sheep sale in Kerry in 1952 at the Fair Field in Killarney. He spent five years on the Kerry Committee of Agriculture at the offices in Tralee and he recalls the other committee members. Track 4. He remembers the first IFA dinner in 1965 in Tralee and he points out that he remained the longest serving customer of Bank of Ireland in Killarney, having lodged his inheritance of £415 there at the age of 17. He speaks about tunes played on the melodion over 80 years ago on the Cross Road platform.