Michael O’Leary (b. about 1932) and John Sheehan (part 2)

Throughout this recording we are treated to fine renditions of jigs, reels and polkas in the Sliabh Luachra tradition, played melodiously by John Sheehan on his box. Discussion between John and Michael O’Leary centres around the cultivation of the poorer lands around their native place, and the necessity for foot ploughing, an activity which is described in detail. Leaving farming practices to one side, the gentlemen take off on a tangent as they recall their successful partnership of former days as they promoted showbands and organised dances around the country during the era of the ‘Ballroom of Romance’.