School: Tulach an Iarainn (roll number 1289)
- Location:
- Tulach an Iarainn, Co. Phort Láirge
- Teacher: Eibhlín Ní Dhubhshláinge
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0638, Page 299
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- (continued from previous page)wrote some crude verse. The opening lines were as follows :
On the eighteenth day of August of the year of Ninety-three
Ned Burke he took the notion for to cross the briny sea
He packed up all his accoutrements, likewise the iron last
He left the homestead and the clock that struck so fast
His machine was one of Singers which he had for nine years on trial
It as purchased by the lieutenant who ousted Tommy Ryan.The lines are attributed to an illiterate carter named McCarthy. It appears Burke was a local character who emigrated to America.
Some of these shoemakers made the very finest footwear while others were rough work, such as clogs. As a rule the shoemaker was a very interesting man. He was always ready to discuss the latest in politics and to drive home his argument with an extra heavy stroke of his hammer. Many tales have been written about the cobbler and the poets do not appear to have neglected them.
