The Brady family farmed on the shores of Loch Sheelin, three miles from Kilnaleck, a place which was described by Peadar O Brádaigh as being owned historically by big Protestant landowners. In the early part of the 20th century, trouble broke out in the parish during a 12 July march, and a bitter split opened within the community in the area which was to survive down through the years. In 1952, Peadar’s father Edward surmised that growth in the motor business was imminent, and Peadar started his employment with garage owner Patrick O’Reilly in Kilnalec. He speaks anecdotally about his many trips to the North over the years. He explains that for the 12 July marches (known as “The Walk” in Cavan) he would regularly chauffeur local members of the Orange Order to Enniskillen to participate, stopping at several hostelries along the way. He describes occasions when he experienced intimidation at the British checkpoint on the Border. Peadar lived in a strongly republican community and was a member of Clann na Poblachta. He ran the Donohue public house in Kilnaleckfor some time following his marriage to Mella Donohue, served as chairman of Co. Cavan GAA and also served as President of that sporting organisation.
Recordings available via Cavan Co. Library Service
