industry was the growing of flax. When the flax was grown it was pulled and steeped in water for a certain period of time and when it was ready they scutched it and prepared it for spinning. Then it was carded and spun into thread. It was then sent to the weaver and woven into cloth. When bleached it was beautifully white linen. Some of this linen is still to be seen in our locality. Mats were made from wheaten straw. They went to the sea and gathered bent for mats and for thatching. Some beautiful mats were made from bent. These were used at doorsteps and sometimes at bedsides. Another great craft was Irish Lace. Girls earned big sums of money in their own homes knitting this lace, as they were well paid for their work. This industry has almost died out during the last thirty years. Limerick and Carrickmacross lace were made locally by industrious girls, who are now our mothers.Mo LaBoa