School: Monksland (C.) (roll number 2792)
- Location:
- Monksland, Co. Louth
- Teacher: M. Nic Oireachtaigh
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0659, Page 316
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- XML School: Monksland (C.)
- XML Page 316
- XML “The Local Forge”
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- In this parish there is only one forge and an old disused one. The local forge is owned by William Smith, but he is commonly known as "Bill the blacksmith". The disused one was owned by John Mc Ardle. Both forges are situated near a crossroads. The old forge is built in Monksland and the local one in Rathcor.
The local forge is situated behind Mr Smith's house, and it can be seen from the road as you pass by. The roof is made of felt. The door is not of any special shape. Inside there is a large fireplace and also a large pair of bellows. These bellows are not made locally. In his work the smith used an anvil, iorn, nails, tongues, bellows, and two or three large hammers. The smith shoes asses, horses, and cattle.
He does not make all kinds of farm implements but he makes those which are not too difficult to make. Some of the forge work is done in the open air. It is done outside the forge. There are no local names or terms in this connection. There are no local beliefs connected with forge water or sparks. The local smiths had never(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Betty Callan
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 14
- Address
- Cooley, Co. Louth
