Index to Vanishing Ireland Interviews

History is best understood by talking to those who took part in it. You don’t have to have lived an illustrious or bizarre life to have an opinion. You simply need to have lived and learned. There follows below a link to all the extended, footnoted interviews from the ‘Vanishing Ireland‘ series. Also see the Vanishing Ireland podcast series:

 

 

 

Applause for Vanishing Ireland

 

Vanishing Ireland – County by County Index

 

Carlow

 

1. Bill Burgess (1902–2007), farmer and jockey, Tobinstown, Co. Carlow.
2. Gretta Carter (1921-2018), lacemaker, Borris, Co Carlow.
3. John Coady (1927-2017), sheep farmer, Rahanna, Co. Carlow.
4. Paddy Delaney (1929-2023), gardener, maestro, Tobinstown, Co. Carlow
5. Atty Dowling (1916–2005), farm labourer, Tobinstown, Co. Carlow.
6. Cathy Dowling (1917-2017), farmer, Castledermot, Co Carlow.
7. Helen Fegan-Joyce (1926-2023), housewife
8. George Hawkins (1914-2013), farmer, Ballyhacket, Co. Carlow
9. Johnny Hutchinson (1931-2021), horse coper, Borris, Co. Carlow.
10. Dinny Hyland (1929-2015) – Pole Vaulter & Gaelic Footballer
11. Michael Johnson, tailor, Tullow
12. Mick Lawlor (1927–2004), trap driver, Borris, Co. Carlow.
13. Seamus McGrath (1921-2014), farmer & actor, Killerig, County Carlow
14. Paddy Mullins (1919-2010), racehorse trainer
15. Bob Murphy (1909–2002), gardener, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow.
16. Simon Murphy (1929-2015), cattle & sheep farmer, Ballymurphy, County Carlow
17. Jimmy Murphy (1934-2015), cattle & sheep farmer, Ballymurphy, County Carlow
18. Nellie O’Toole (1908-2010), nurse & housekeeper, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow.
19. Betty Scott (1923-2013), Actress and Cook, Ballybit

 

Cavan

 

1. Teresa McGerty (1925-2013), publican, Longfield, Co Cavan.
2. Baby Rudden (1923-2015), cattle farmer, Redhills, Co. Cavan
3. Johnny Golden (1937-2010), mechanic and sexton, Dogarry, Co Cavan.

 

Clare

 

1. Paddy Canny (1919-2008), farmer-fiddler, Kilcannon, Co. Clare.
2. John Joe Conway (1935-2019), cattle farmer & horse breeder, Knockanedan, Co. Clare
3. PJ Davis (1924-2009), mechanic and steelworker, Ennistymon, Co Clare.
4. Chris Droney (1925-2020), dairy famer–concertina, Bell Harbour, Co. Clare.
5. Tom Frawley (1920-2014), publican, Lahinch, Co. Clare.
6. Michael “Patsy” Flanagan (1924-2009), farmer-drummer, Bartra, Co. Clare.
7. Paddy Gleeson (1904-2010), farmer, Bodyke, Co. Clare.
8. Mick Kenneally (1939-2013), potato & cattle farmer, Cloonanaha, Co. Clare.
9. Eddie Lenihan, storyteller, Crusheen 
10. Robbie McMahon (1926-1012), farmer-singer, Spancil Hill, Co. Clare.
11. Tom Ned McMahon (1919-2011), builder & actor, Kilfenora, Co. Clare
12. Jack McNamara (1923–2005), farmer, Kilkishin, Co Clare.
13. Mike Murphy (1937-2012), taxi driver–fiddler, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.
14. John Shannon (1922-2005), cattle farmer, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

 

Cork

 

1. Patsy Kingston (1935-2018), farmer, soldier and bus driver), Caherlaska, Co. Cork
2. Philip Lecane (1924-2024), newsagent, Cork City  –  a podcast, or read a version of the story here.
3. Mary Maddison (b. 1931), storyteller, Eyeries, Beara Peninsula, Co Cork.
4. Frank Maher (1936-2014), fisherman–carpenter, Doneraile, Co. Cork.
5. Ellen O’Keefe (1920-2017), housewife, Caherlaska, Co. Cork
6. Timmy O’Keefe (1931-2017), farmer, Caherlaska, Co. Cork
7. Con ‘Durrihy’ O’Sullivan, schoolteacher, Castletownbere

 

Donegal

 

1. Danny Cullen (1920-2009), haulier, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
2. Jackie Wilson (b. 1936) farmer, Rathmelton, Co Donegal.

 

Dublin

 

1. Betty Ashe, community activist, Ringsend, Dublin City
2. Connie Brennan (b. 1929), child minder & hotel cleaner, Inchicore
3. Kitty Crowe (singer – community champion, 1926-2009) Ringsend, Dubin 4.
4. Jenny Cullen (1925-2010), factory worker, Inchicore
5. Betty Dempsey (1921-2012), mattress maker Pearse Sreet, Dublin City
6. Sonny Kinsella (1928-2019), engineer, Dublin City.
7. Miriam Moore, nurse, Glasnevin
8. Bart Nolan (1929-2018) docker, Dublin City.
9. Mary Parkinson (1932-2016), garment manufacturer & record sales, Inchicore
10. Jack Roche, greengrocer, The Liberties
11. Rosemary Smith (1937-2023), rally driver
12. Maureen Tierney (1920-2017), laundry & factory worker, Inchicore

 

Fermanagh

 

1. John Carson (1928-2019), farmer, Inishmore, Co Fermanagh.

 

Galway

 

2. Sonaí Choilm Learaí Ó Conghaile (b. 1945), melodeon player & fisherman), Coradh Bhuí, Leitir Meallaín
3. Annie Conneally (1919-2017), housemaid, Cloonisle, Co. Galway
4. Coleman Coyne (1925-2016), fisherman & seaweed harvester, Kilkiean Bay, Co. Galway
5. Roisin Folan (1929-2022), district nurse & midwife, Inisheer, Aran Islands, County Galway
6. Pat Green (1926-2016), farmer & fisherman, Damhros, Co. Galway
7. Máirtín Joyce (1935-2016), fisherman, factory worker & oarsman), Kilkiean Bay, Co. Galway
8. Rory Kilduff (1922-2016), saddler, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
9. Eamonn King (1937-2025), cattle farmer & horse breeder, Farravaun, Glann, Oughterard, County Galway
10. Mickey King (1925-2006), postmaster – politician, Errislannan, Co. Galway
11. James Ridge (b. 1959), farmer & seaweed gatherer, Cashel, County Galway
12. Eamon Madden (1924-2022), blacksmith & farrier, Athenry, Co. Galway
13. Penny O’Malley (1932-2016), Aillebrack, County Galway
14. Bridget O’Malley (1937-2017), Aillebrack, County Galway
15. Festus Nee (c. 1934-2008), pony whisperer, Cashel, Co. Galway
16. Martin Nee (b. 1941), bar manager & Connemara pony breeder, Doonreaghan, Cashel, County Galway
17. Tomas O Niallain (b. 1932), farmer, musician & policeman, Gort, Co. Galway
18. John William Seoighe (1919-2015), currach oarsman & hooker sailor, Rossaveal, Co. Galway
19. Mick Staunton (1930-2017), fruit seller, Kinvara, Co. Galway
20. Stephen John Tierney (1935-2010), farmer, Lough Corrib, Co. Galway
21. Christy Waldron (b. 1932), clock & watch repairman, Cloghanover, Co. Galway

 

Kerry

 

1. Willie Joe Cronin(1956-2022), farmer, Ballinskelligs
2. Joan Crowley(1922-2017), publican & fiddler, Kenmare
3. Denny Galvin (1945-2026), cattle farmer, Stradbally
4. Tom Horgan (born 1938), weather observer Waterville
5. Joe C. Keating (1931-2022), builder & salvage expert, Ballinskelligs
6. Stevie Kelleher (1930-2014), hackney driver, Dingle
7. Timmy Kelleher (1925-2021), farmer, Dingle
8. Jimmy Murphy (born 1951), farmer, Cill Rialaig
9. John Murphy (1925–2006), gardener-farmer, Waterville
10. Micheál Ó Braonáin(born 1954), storyteller & electrician Ballinskelligs
11. Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh (1930-2024), The Voice of the GAA
12. Liam O’Shea (1927-2021) blacksmith, Lauragh
13. Christy Kate O’Sullivan(born 1951), farmer, Ballinskelligs
14. Pat Piggott (born 1931) & John Pigott (1931-2014), farmers-accordion players, Glenbeigh
15. Con Riordan (1912-2008), farmer, Glenbeigh
16. Tom Sheehan (1931-2017), schoolteacher & actor Kilbaha, Moyvane
17. Mary Stack (d. 2024), businesswoman, Listowel

 

Kildare

 

1. Bridget Aspell (1910-2014), shop assistant & housewife, Yellowbog, Kilcullen, County Kildare
2. Jackie Bracken (b. 1932), cobbler & power station worker, Naas, County Kildare
3. Paddy Byrne (1924-2013), farm labourer & brewery worker, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
4. Tom Connolly (1917-2008), canal boatman, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
5. Mick Cronin (1930-2023), textile manufacturer & electrician, Naas, County Kildare
6. Kathleen Doyle (1930-2020), telephonist, Naas, County Kildare
7. Brendan Drewett (1933-2020), boxer & cotton mills fitter, Naas, County Kildare
8. Andy Duff of Kilcock & the Slane Castle Stables
9. Michael Kane (1931-2021), works manager, Naas, County Kildare
10. Bill Martin (1921-2019) & Birdie Martin (1931-2022), farmers, Ballitore, County Kildare
11. May Morris (1913-2020), factory worker, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
12. Frank O’Brien (1922-2017), publican, Athy, Co Kildare.
13. Sister Rita (1917-2013) & Sister Alphonsus (1920-2015), Athy, County Kildare
14. Noel Sheridan (1927-2024), post office worker & philatelist, Naas, County Kildare
15. Joe Waldron (1933-2023), painter, Naas, County Kildare
16. Sean Whelan (1927-2014), compositor & printer, Naas, County Kildare

 

Kilkenny

 

1. Denis Lee (1923–2012) – blacksmith, sheep shearer, hackney driver & drummer – Inistioge, County Kilkenny
2. Michael Brennan Roe (1937-2023), coal miner, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.
3. Jimmy Fanning (1942-2020), farm labourer & fiddler, Glenbally Valley, Co. Kilkenny

 

Laois

 

1. Joe McCabe (hurler, 1919-2019), hurler, Ballyroan, Co Laois.
2. Micky Lalor (water diviner, 1931-2017), water diviner, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.
3. Jack Lowry (b. 1923), blacksmith, Mountrath, Co. Laois.

 

Leitrim

 

1. John Abbott (1931-2017), farmer, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim
2. Pat FitzPatrick (1931-2024), Farmer & Actor), Drumloona, Carrigallen, County Leitrim
3. Johnny Fyfe (1930-2012), farm manager / gardener, Killegar, Co Leitrim.
4. Terry Reilly (1927-2024), farmer, Corracar, Co. Leitrim

 

Limerick

 

1. Jack Conolly (1916-2013), farmer, Glin, Co Limerick.
2. Patsy Dalton (1950-2024), denim manufacturer, chef and & turf cutter), Athea, County Limerick
3. Paddy Faley (1919-2011), ganger, farmer & poet, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick
4. Maurice FitzGerald (1919-2013), farmer, Glin, Co. Limerick
5. Mikie Kinnane (1932-2020), farmer, Glenagragara, Co. Limerick
6. Den Lane (1923-2023), turf dealer Glin, Co. Limerick
7. Liza Mulvahill (1915-2015), dairymaid and cook, Moyvane, Co. Limerick
8. Seamus Vaughan (1922-2013), clothes merchant & turf cutter, Upper Dirreen, Athea, County Limerick

 

Longford

 

1. Eugene Brady (1931-2022), pumpkin farmer, Camagh
2. Dessie Hynes (1929-2023), publican, Lanesborough

 

Louth

 

1. John Mathis (c. 1927-2014), thatcher, Annagassan, Co Louth.
2. Nana McKenny (b. 1918), nurse and nanny, Ardee, Co Louth.
3. Donal Duffy (1920-2007), forester-piper, Ravensdale, Co. Louth.

 

Mayo

 

1. Mike Burke (1926-2016), cattle farmer, Kilmeena, Co. Mayo.
2. John Cooney (1922-2016), postman, Achill Island, Co. Mayo.
3. Very Rev Patrick Gill (1927-2024), parish priest, Lecanvey, Co Mayo.
4. Paddy Heneghan (1922-2012), ghillie, Delphi, Co Mayo.
5. Mick King (1924-2013), farmer, Lanmore, Co Mayo.
6. Mick Lavelle (1930-2013), entertainer, Westport, County Mayo
7. Jim ‘Tailor’ O’Malley (1925-2016), farmer, Kilsallagh, Co Mayo.
8. Pat ‘Rua’ O’Reilly (1907-2007), fisherman, Belmullet, Co. Mayo.
9. Willy O’Reilly (1914-2010), fisherman, Belmullet, Co. Mayo.

 

Meath

 

1. Andy Duff of Kilcock & the Slane Castle Stables
2. Paddy Fagan (1924-2014), forester-farmer, Enfield, Co. Meath

 

Monaghan

 

1. Eileen Hall (1924-2021), shopkeeper, Killevan, Co Monaghan.
2. George Knight, merchant seaman, Clones
3. Johnny McGarvey (1938-2014), labourer, Clones, Co Monaghan
   Jimmy McGarvey (1942-2019), labourer, Clones, County Monaghan.
4. Miriam Moore, nurse, Clones

 

Offaly

 

1. Jos Donnelly (1920-2016), farmer, Ballymac, Co. Offaly.
2. Paddy Lowry (1919-2013), farmer, Forelacka, Co. Offaly.
3. Mike Harte (1919-2015), cattle farmer, Daingean, Co. Offaly
4. Margaret Shortt (1925-2013), ladies maid, Birr, Co. Offaly.
5. Pat Gleeson (1913–2006), farmer-fiddler, Belmont, Co. Offaly.
6. Sonny Egan (1932-2010), hackney driver & farmer, Ferbane, County Offaly
7. Paddy Heany (1931-2022), farmer & historian, Cadamstown
8. Matilda McBryde (1932-2012) – Farmer – Tulla House, Kinnitty

 

Roscommon

 

• Joe Flynn (1923-2016), coal miner, Arigna, Co. Roscommon)

 

Sligo

 

1. Willie Davey(1940-2022), labourer, Ballymote, Co Sligo.
2. Bernie Dwyer (1936-2014), butcher, Ballymote, Co Sligo.
3. Helen Fegan-Joyce (1926-2023), housewife
4. Mick Gallagher (1932-2022), farm labourer, Gleann, Co. Sligo.
5. Jim Kielty (1915-2013), hackney driver, Ballymote, Co Sligo.
6. Joe Muldoon (1931-2016), farmer, Ballymote, Co Sligo.
7. Paddy Scanlan (1926-1016), lighthouse keeper, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo.

 

Tipperary

 

• Joseph Hanrahan (1930-2015), farm labourer & trap driver, Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary
• Father Éanna Henderson (1925-2018), Cistercian, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
• Hannah Leahy (1919-2015), Country Markets secretary & treasurer), Annesgift, County Tipperary
• Jack Lonergan (1930-2020), general factotum, Tickincor, Co. Tipperary
• Brother Niall Maguire(1914-2014), Cistercian, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
• Bob Mullins (1921-2019), shurbber, Garbally, Co. Tipperary.
• Father Ciarán Ó Sabhaois (1926-2015), Cistercian, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
• Dom Colmcille O’Toole(1925- 2014), Cistercian, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
• Jack ‘Ginger’ Powell (1913-2015), vet, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
• Jimmy Ryan (1928-2018), hurley maker), Crosscannon, Killenaule, County Tipperary
• Willie Sheehan (1917-2016), cattle breeder & shoemaker, Clonwalshe, Co. Tipperary
• Nellie Shortall (1913-2015), shopkeeper & cook, Fethard, Co. Tipperary
• Johnny Walsh (forester, born 1932) Derrinlaur, Co. Tipperary.
• Father Laurence Walsh(b. 1929), Cistercian, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
• Paddy Walsh (1928-2011), farmer, Derrinlaur, Co. Tipperary.
• Seanie Quinlan – The Gravedigger of Kilsheelan, County Tipperary

 

Tyrone

 

• Patricia Tiernan (1921-2013), clerk, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone

 

Waterford

 

1. John Flynn (born 1943), thresher, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford.
2. Doc Morrissey (1935-2020), horseman, Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

 

Westmeath

 

1. JJ Hackett (1937-2017), harness maker & poet, Ballinakill, Co. Westmeath
2. Noel Robinson (born 1939), farmer, Coole, Co Westmeath.
3. Oliver Reid, bank manager, Athlone

 

Wexford

 

1. Maisie Granelle (1925-2023), seamstress, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
2. Edward Hayes (1924-2012), butler and houseman
3. Dessie Hynes (1929-2023), publican, Rosslare
4. Ogie Nolan (1922-2017), saddler & harness maker, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

 

Wicklow

 

1. Henry Chapman (1928-2020), gamekeeper, Kilruddery, Co. Wicklow
2. Myles Clarke, farmer, Viewmount
3. Sam Codd (1926-2019), bonesetter, farmer & horse trainer, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
4. Freda Jones (1929-2024), organist, Baltinglass
5. Kathleen Keogh (born 1925), factory worker, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow.
6. Kathleen Lynam (1930-2018), parlour maid, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow.
7. Jack O’Neill (1925–2007), builder, Tuckmill Cross, Co. Wicklow.
8. George Thomas (1926-2009), farmer Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.
9. Red Tom (1922-2009), shepherd, Kilruddery, Co. Wicklow.

 

Vanishing Ireland Podcast Interviews

 

1. Mary Stack (1933-2024), businesswoman, Listowel, County Kerry
2. Myles Clarke, farmer, Viewmount,  County Wicklow
3. Rosemary Smith (1937-2023), rally driver, County Dublin
4. Eddie Lenihan, storyteller  County Clare
5. Betty Ashe, community activist, Ringsend, Dublin City
6. George Knight, merchant seaman, Clones, County Monaghan
7. Dessie Hynes (1929-2023), publican, Rosslare, Co Wexford, and Lanesborough, Co. Longford
8. Miriam Moore, nurse, Clones, County Monaghan
9. Philip Lecane (1924-2024), newsagent, Cork City  
10. Oliver Reid, bank manager, Athlone, County Westmeath
11. Con Durrihy, schoolteacher, Castletownbere County Cork
12. Helen Fegan-Joyce (1926-2023), housewife, County Carlow
13. Jack Roche, greengrocer, The Liberties, Dublin City
14. Freda Jones (1929-2024), organist, Baltinglass, County Wicklow
15. Michael Johnson, tailor, Tullow, County Carlow