School: Ballyharry (roll number 11235)

Location:
Ballycharry, Co. Donegal
Teacher:
Seosamh Mac Giolla Bríde
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1123, Page 530

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1123, Page 530

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  1. XML School: Ballyharry
  2. XML Page 530
  3. XML “The Care of the Feet”

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  1. A hundred years ago the people of this parish wore no boots. When hard work was to be done the men tied pieces of bags around their feet. When the under part of the bags was worn they turned them upside down. After a time clogs began to be made. The uppers of these were made from leather and the soles were made from wood. On the sole of each clog there was an iron ring. This ring helped to make the clog wear longer. At first these were only worn by the people when they were at Mass.
    The first boots that came into being were locally know as "blutchers". There were only two holes for laces on them. It is said that farmers who had servant boys hired, made the boys wear these as it took the boys only a short time to lace them in the
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. objects
      1. clothing and accessories (~2,403)
        1. shoes (~1,841)
    Language
    English
    Informant
    James Kelly
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Ballycharry, Co. Donegal