School: O'Brennan, Baile Mhic Ealgóid, Tráighlí
- Location:
- Tonreagh Lower, Co. Kerry
- Teacher: Pádraig Ó Loingsigh
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- XML School: O'Brennan, Baile Mhic Ealgóid, Tráighlí
- XML Page 417
- XML “Old Crafts - Smith Work”
- XML “Old Crafts - Smith-Work”
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- Even though there are at present 4 Blacksmith-shops in the locality - there were more than that in the old time when more articles were made by smiths: Mr. Brosnan of Ballynahinch was a lock-smith (& gabha geal) - making locks and keys for the Gaol, Tralee at one time. He died a few years ago at the age of 85. & he made during his time some beautiful gates & railings for the Chute family of Chute Hall. About half-a-mile to the north of Tom Brosnan's lived another smith or smiths called Cournane (Tonreigh, Rathanny) This man was regarded as a very clever smith making cranes for fireplaces, socks & parts of ploughs, spades & other agricultural implements. Also tongs, sleáns, &c. His spades were regarded as being best for spalpeens.
Here is Mr. Scanlon's (Clogherclemin) account of same:-
"James Cournane was the best smith in this parish. He used to make cranes for fire-places. He also made tongs, spades & sleáns. Spalpeens when going to the hiring market used to get Cournane to make spades for them." - Peggy Savage (Kilquane) says that "Cournane's spades were sold at Castleisland, Killorglan, Tralee at 2/- & 2/6 each"
Aine Lynch (Ballynahinch) says:-
"In the old days timber ploughs were made by a man called OConnell of Tonreigh who worked near Cournane the smith: The sole-plate and sock were made of Iron by Cournane and fitted into these timber ploughs: Spades and shovels were also made of Cournane's. Spalpeens in the old days(continues on next page)- Collector
- Peggy Savage
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Kilquane, Co. Kerry