Paddy Lowry (b. 1919)

Track 1: Memories of Jack Guilfoyle, the Kinnitty blacksmith. Details of a blacksmith’s trade, part of which involved pulling teeth when necessary! Track 2: The types of animals maintained by the small hill farmers, including donkeys, jennets and ponies, and the variety of calling sounds used to summon these animals. The buying and selling of livestock. Track 3: The journeymen who would visit regularly to work with Jack Guilfoyle. A discussion of the Kinnitty Castle blacksmiths, who were relatives of Jack Guilfoyle, and anecdotes of their craft. A discussion of the folklore associated with the blacksmith’s trade. Track 4: Recalled a number of returned veterans who had fought in World War I. Fair days in Kinnitty, which were held on October 2nd and April 23rd. The prices given for animals at the time, the atmosphere of the fair, the hawkers and the day off for school children. The commonage on Slieve Bloom and the general sheep rearing practices that prevailed there.