School: Castlegannon, Mullinavat (roll number 13028)

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1. Firkin-Making (continued)

   

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   they used to cut it out in staves. The staves were then put into a "mare", and they were shaped out with a draw-knife. Then they were put standing in one iron hoop. They lit a fire inside the firkin in a small grate and it was left lighting a few minutes. There were six iron hoops put on, they call this "trussing". the bottom iron hoop is taken off, and the bottom was put in. There are six "sally" hoops got then, and they are measured and twigged. The iron hoops are taken off one by one and the "sally" hoops are put on. The firkin is made smooth by scraping it. Then it is weighted. It weighs from six to nine pounds in weight, according to the size. There is a lid made the same size as the bottom, and it is laid down on the firkin. A Red brand is put in the fire and the firkin is numbered with it. When the Farmer buys the firkin, he lines it inside with butter-papper, and he nails on the lid.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Ailís Ní Andraosán

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Lukeswell, Co. Kilkenny

   Informant

   Patrick Anderson

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Crowbally, Co. Kilkenny