William Geary (1899-2004) (Part 3)

Track 1: William Geary describes the reconstruction of his family home, originally a Cromwellian officer’s residence. The farming practices in Ballyagran, and the breeding and training of horses are described as is the powerful role played by the Catholic Church in society at the time. Formal arrangements and settlements for matrimony are also discussed. Track 2: Memories are described of the local creamery and butter making, the journeyman tailors, who would visit a family home for two weeks and make any clothing that was necessary. He also recalls his teacher, Daniel Quill, and the system of learning by rote. Track 3: Daily life prior to the Troubles is described, with law and order maintained by the Constabulary in the barracks at Newcastlewest. He recalls his ancestral background and his grandfather, who was born in 1815 and was a wealthy man. Track 4: Fr Hurley, the local parish priest,is recalled and the pomp and ceremony of religious observance at the time are described. His uncle, Michael Geary, who paid his tuition fees at the Atlantic Wireless School is remembered, as is the challenge of getting from his home to the school. Track 5: As a student he boarded with Miss O’Reilly in Cahirciveen and he describes his memories of people and places at this time. His colleagues, the crew members of the Birmingham City Line, and the cabin he occupied are all recalled.