Track 1. One of Paddy Flahive’s earliest memories is of the day the Black and Tans marched out of Dingle and he also recalls the day his uncle, Dan McKenna, was released by the Black and Tans and the subsequent celebrations in Annascaul. Paddy’s family were hill farmers in Ballymahon on the outskirts of Annascaul, and he talks about growing up with his nine siblings in a thatched cottage, and also about his schooldays. He mentions the fact that he knew the local men on the run from the Free State army. His dealings with Tom Crean are recalled – he sold him a carload of turf for 7 shillings – and he mentions that Tom’s wife Nell ran the public bar while Tom spent much of his time walking. Subjects also discussed include the work on the land, growing crops, the animals, making and mending ditches and fertilising the land with seaweed carried up the cliffs in baskets. He also recalls some of the field names. The fair day in Annascaul is described, as are the horse fairs at Ballinasare. Track 2. Retired Navy men are recalled and named, including Sullivan, Kennedy, Ashe, Brennan and Corridan who left the coast guard station in Minard around the same time. Their silence about their work is remembered, and Paddy recounts Batt Sullivan’s story and also recalls the local people who joined the American forces.
Track 3. Paddy emigrated to New Zealand in 1938 and spent some years there. He recalls avoiding conscription and the many jobs he held while there. Track 4. On his return home he bought a farm in Ballinasare, and worked at cultivating the rough ground. He purchased extra land through the Land Commission. Julia Kelliher became his wife, and he remembers the old dances in local houses and the village hall. His parents’ house is recalled as is his grandmother who was born during the Famine. Paddy remembers well the book Robinson Crusoe which she received from her son who had served in the Royal Navy during World War I. She would read the book to Paddy and he says that this inspired him to travel.
