School: Killavilla

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1. Old Schools (continued)

   

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   one period, was Denis McGrath, or Master McGrath as he was more commonly called. He was the author of the little peom 'My Cot in Éirinn
   "Oh, Éirinn, dearest Éirinn, fairest Éirinn, greenest Éirinn,
   No other coast, such charms can boast,
   As my native caves of Éirinn."
   He was a stranger in the locality. It was believed that he came from Cork for, he had a great love for the caves around the Cork coast, and often spoke of them. He taught the adults at night in the farmer's houses, remaining in the house until morning. His payment was a small sum of money in addition to food, such as, oaten cakes, butter, milk, eggs and potatoes. Mr McGrath was a very well educated man, and he taught his pupils English, Irish, Mathematics, Greek and Latin. Irish poetry got special attention. The farmers wondered how he could know so much, and they often thought of a piece from one of Goldsmiths poems -
   How one small head,

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. objects
      1. man-made structures
         1. buildings
            1. schools (~4,094)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Cathleen Hanley

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Ballinlough, Co. Offaly

   Informant

   Daniel Hanley

   Relation

   Parent

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   c. 60

   Occupation

   Teacher

   Address

   Ballinlough, Co. Offaly