Owen Joe McNaughton (b. 1940s)

Joe McNaughton works at Castle Leslie, just as many of his family members did over the generations. His grandfather was a lumberjack on the estate and elsewhere, and his two brothers, Harry and Pat McNaughton left home to join the British forces during WWI. Harry survived the trenches in Flanders and returned to work on the estate and Pat, who joined the Navy, survived the Battle of Jutland was sadly was later to lose his life by drowning. While visiting an ancient graveyard in Glaslough, some old headstones are indicated. These were engraved by the mason who worked for Bishop John Leslie, the first Leslie to come to Glasslough. He was known as ‘The Fighting Bishop’ as he had fought Cromwell’s forces during the Battle of Raphoe in Co. Donegal. The local Johnson landlord, who evicted an elderly lady during the 19th century in Glasslough, was cursed by the woman in question who said that he would never rest in his grave. Joe indicates the Johnson headstone which lies flat on the ground, and explains that on three occasions attempts were made to secure it in an upright position, but to no avail as it would immediately fall flat again. At Castle Leslie, Joe visits the billiard room which was part of the original house before its renovation in 1887. Many of the framed photographs hanging on the walls are discussed, and included is a photograph of his uncle, Joe McCluskey, who was farm manager on the estate for many years. Looking outside from the corridor, Joe indicates a white wooden cross which marks the resting place of Anita Leslie who died in 1985. She was married to William King who was a submarine commander during WWII. Also indicated and discussed are the sporting trophies which hang in the hallway, the chimneypiece and the furniture in the drawing room. Finally, while walking down the Long Gallery, the many portraits of members of the Leslie family are described.