Paddy Cummins’s father farmed 180 acres in Cuaraghmore, Piltown and in the 1950s he exchanged that land through the Land Commission for 108 acres in Floodhall. When the Cummins moved into the Floodhall Estate, all that was left of the Big House was the servants’ quarters where Paddy and his family live today. Paddy describes his regret at the loss of the Big House glasshouses and the beautiful garden. Paddy’s father, being a cultivator, was interested in the land and in the development of its potential. Paddy was one of 15 brothers and sisters, many of whom emigrated, others ran farms which his father bought locally. Paddy was always destined to continue the farming, taking over from his father. He explains in this recording how the husbandry was conducted. His drive for success left him no time for leisure. He was milking cows for 66 years, and worked in England in the early 50s for the demolition squads. That happened each year for 3 months after the harvest had been brought in. Also discussed in this interview was the great influence of hurling in the family. The conversation finished with the changing practices in farming now, and his disappointment at the run-down in Irish agriculture, which will very soon mean the outhouses of the farm will be converted into apartments.
Keywords: Floodhall estate, Irish Land Commission, farming, hurling, farm buildings
