School: Desart, Cill Choinnigh (roll number 3839)
- Location:
- Ballymack (Desart), Co. Kilkenny
- Teacher: Mary Commins
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0854, Page 118
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- There were four smiths in the Parish of Ballycallan. Fennellys have been smiths for generations.
Forges were generally near cross-roads. The roof was usually made of slate but the more ancient ones were thatched
Cattle were never shod - only asses & horses. He uses the ordinary smith's instruments He makes harrows. Some years ago he used to make every farm impliment.
Here is a drawing of a sprong made by a local smith[Drawing]It was very heavy and there are only
a few remaining in the district.
Binding wheels was done in the open air.
Forge-water was supposed to cure chilblains and warts.
