Michael Whelan (aged 81)

Eddie McDonald, brought me through narrow winding country roads to the home of the Whelans, who have lived here since 1876. I sat and spoke to Mike Whelan in the company of his wife Kathleen, and I recorded Michael’s memories of the rugged landscape and the small sheep farmers. Kathleen spoke about the work of women at a time when there was no running water, electricity, septic tanks, or motor transport. This interview provides a clear sense of a strong race of people who survived as hill farmers.