School: Cill an Dísirt (B.) (roll number 15301)
- Location:
- Killadysert, Co. Clare
- Teacher: Seán Ó Gríobhtha
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0604, Page 305
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- The modern methods of making articles differs greately from long ago. The principal reason for that is that science was in a backward condition in olden times. Because of machinery, men have become more scientific and the means of things has been made easy.
One of the most useful articles we have is the candle. In former days people used to make their own candles. This is how they used to be made:- First of all tallow is provided and is melted. While it was soft it was put into a mould and a piece of cord was put through it to serve as a wick. When it set it was pushed out with the finger. Then they had a perfect candle. The commonest means of light the poor people had, was, splinters of bog deal, cut long and thin. When one burned out it was replaced by a new one. This shows they had not the least idea of what a parrafin lamp was like.
The people who lived long ago had better sight than we have to-day, because the light was not severe on their eyes. They were stronger because they eat plain food. There is an old saying, "Necessity is the mother of invention.
- Informant
- Mr Pat Mac Carthy
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 69
- Address
- Ballyleaan, Co. Clare
