School: Bán-Tír (B.) (roll number 2803)

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1. Famine Stories

   

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   1. Old Houses can still be seen in the townland of Kilmacrane whose occupants died in famine times. The walls - all that remain - were made of mud, earth, and stones. The haggards are still to be seen. There are at least five in the neighbourhood of my house at Kilmacrane, Banteer, Co Cork.
   2. Blight was first noticed after a thick fog, followed by a big wind, and heavy rain. All the stalks which were green, turned brown, and faded away. The potatoes rotted in the pits, and from these Stampy Bread was made. Blight was noticed in Great Britain in 1845, as a black scab on the potato. Seed potatoes were distributed by the Unions to those, whose valuation was under five pounds. These potatoes were paid for by the Poor Rate afterwards. In some districts potatoes were planted with a spade in ridges, as at present day. In other districts, in a manner called "Ríosg-ing" (or fallow) The furrow was stripped and burned, the ashes being used as manure. The potatoes were planted four across in a four foot ridge.
   3. Food. - Stirabout made from Indian Meal, and mixed with Salt Herring was eaten. Soon a plague of "Cholera", broke out amongst the poor people, in Muingyroogen townland, and surrounding districts. Doctors proved, that it was the food, that caused the plague. Some poor people had to eat "Praiseach Bhuidhe" (Charlock), mixed with turnips. There was no accomodation for the poor when sick.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. am
      1. tréimhsí staire sonracha (~25)
         1. an gorta mór (~4,013)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Bertie Rahilly

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Cill Mhic Corráin, Co. Chorcaí

   Informant

   Timothy O Callaghan

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   69

   Address

   Moing an Ghruaigín, Co. Chorcaí