School: Lathach Barr

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1. A Restless Soul

   

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   Thady and Grace Connor lived on the borders of a large turf bog, in the parish of Clonderaddock, where they could hear the Atlantic surges thunder in upon the shore, and see the wild storms of winter sweep over the Muckish mountains, and his rugged neighbours. Even in summer the cabin by the bog was dull, and dreary enough.
   Thady Connor worked in the fields, and Grace made a livelihood as a pedlar, carrying a basket of remnants of cloth, calico, drugget, one prize about the country. The people rarely visited any large towns, and found it convenient to buy from Grace, who was welcomed in many a lonely house, where a table was hastily cleared, that she might display her wares. Being considered a way honest woman she was frequently entrusted with commissions to the shops in Letterkenny and Ramelton. As she set out towards home, her basket was generally laden with little gifts for her children.
   “Grace dear” would one of the kind housewives say, “here’s a farrel of satin cake, we a taste o’ butter on it; tak’ it wr’ you for the wears,” or “Here’s half a dozen of eggs; you’ve a big family to support.
   Small Connors of all ages crowded round the weary mother, to rifle her basket of these gifts. But her thrifty hard life came to an end. She

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Nora Gallagher

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Rathtinny Glebe, Co. Donegal

   Informant

   Mr Gallagher

   Relation

   Parent

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Rathtinny Glebe, Co. Donegal