Virginia McGillycuddy

Track 1: Virginia McGillycuddy, who is the widow of Richard McGillycuddy of the Reeks, discusses her family, the Astors, her grandfather, the first Lord Astor, her education in an English art school and her subsequent career in fashion. Track 2: Virginia McGillycuddy recalls her first visit to Kerry in 1979 and her father-in-law John McGillycuddy’s experiences during World War II. Track 3: The McGillycuddy family furnishings, paintings and papers, and their present whereabouts. Track 4: Richard and Virginia McGillycuddy married in 1984 and she recalls the financial challenges of that time. The couple lived at the Reeks, along with Richard’s mother Elizabeth, before the house was sold in 1985. Track 5: Old McGillycuddy family memorabilia is examined and discussed. Track 6: The day of the sale of The Reeks is recalled, and the terrifying earlier experience borne by Richard’s mother Elizabeth leading to her return to England. Track 7: Richard McGillycuddy’s death at the age of 56, and his cremation is recalled. Track 8: Virginia McGillycuddy discloses the distress to the family caused by an obituary in the Daily Telegraph at that time. Track 9: Her ambiguous feelings about the family title, which she inherited, are explained by Virginia McGillycuddy. Track 10: The Kerry family connections are discussed, and the origins of a trophy which sits on the mantelpiece of Virginia McGillycuddy’s house in Athlone are explained.