TOMMY O’GARA, BORN 1932 and MARGARET O’GARA, KILTYFANNET

Tommy O’Gara’s grandfather arrived in Kiltyfannet in the 1880s. In this recording, Tommy traces his family history and explains that his grandparents and his uncles and aunts all came originally from Ardara area. Tommy lives with his wife, Margaret, high up in the hills, three miles from Glencolmcille. They are sheep-farmers in a very remote area. He discusses the animal husbandry on the farm, sheep-rearing and wool and its sale, and the carding and spinning of the wool for the Magee Tweed Factory. He discusses the importance of the Irish language, the remoteness of rural life in former days, the general health of the people in those times, transport and communication. Margaret O’Gara discusses the huge cultural shock she felt on her arrival in England in her youth, Ardara during her younger days and she also discusses the importance of religion to her and her husband Tommy.