School: Johnstown (roll number 877)

Location:
Johnstown, Co. Meath
Teacher:
Miss H.C. Hickie
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0687, Page 178

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0687, Page 178

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  1. A man named Finnegan of Harristown, Hayes, was a ploughman with the Butler family of Staffordstown Ho.
    Mr Butler used to let fields to working men for the growth of potatoes.
    About 1844 or so there was a wonderful crop of potatoes. Those who had potatoes in Butlers field dug them a pitted them in the field.
    After some time Mr Butler sent word to them to remove their crop but they didn't bother.
    He repeates his order but they still ignores him. Then he orders Finnegan to plough up the ground. Finnegan did in and out through the pits.
    Mr Butler sent a final order to have the potatoes removed or he would plough right thro' the pits.
    At last they came and removed some of them and left the remainder scattered about. They were so plentiful that year that they were not appreciated.
    A year or so after came the Famine.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Informant
    James Neill
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    75
    Address
    Oldtown, Co. Meath