WILLIE JOE BERGIN, AGE 80, CLASHROE, SLIEVE BLOOM

The story starts with the eviction of Willie Joe Bergin’s father and his uncle by the agent of the local landlord, Mr Bernard, at the end of the 19th century. They moved in with Willie’s other uncle onto the land which is still being farmed by Willie Joe. Walking through the land, the field names, which were those of local families who lived in thatched cottages, were spoken about, namely the Dunnes, the Makens, the Feehans and the Cordals. He pointed out the changes in the landscape over the last 70 years, with the development of forestry. Also described in this recording are the crossroad dances, the pitch-and-toss games, and the local characters.