School: Carhurley
- Location:
- Caherhurly, Co. Clare
- Teacher: Nóra Uí Nuanáin
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0591, Page 245
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“In this locality there lived about 40 years ago at Caherhurley Cross a man named Martin Fahey...”
In this locality there lived about 40 years ago at Caherhurley Cross a man named Martin Fahey who went by the name of "Martin the Plucker," The remains of his mud cabin still exist - and he was noted for his wealth. He had one brother named John who resided with him, John usually did the house work while Martin was a feather dealer. He walked at least thirty miles a day collecting feathers. He was rather apt at divesting the geese of their feathers and always got "a pluck" free for his labour. He was an honest and jovial man and usually was generous enough to bring a 1/2d worth of sweets to the children, so that they were often on the look out for Martin.
He often walked to Dublin in two days carrying a pack on his back. He seldom wore socks and his boots were usually a size too large for him.
The two brothers lived scantily, scarcely ever affording themselves a god meal. The boys of the district usually went on cuaird to Martin so that the mud cabin was often filled to overflowing. Very often they played a trick on them too. On this particular night Martin(continues on next page)