Teresa and John Creedon, Macroom, Cork

Teresa Creedon (nee Walton) is the last of the Waltons, who were stone grinding millers, and her son Donal now continues to run the business in the old traditional way. Teresa explains that little has changed at the mill and their home, built in 1770, remains the same. She and Donal describe the process of grinding oats and the technique of firing.

They explain that the mill was burnt down by the Black and Tans during the War of Independence, and Teresa’s father and brother rebuilt it in 1923 when the milling business resumed. Teresa speaks of her early memories, her father’s character and mannerisms and the way in which he handled business.

His main customers were the merchants in Macroom.

Listen to "Teresa and John Creedon, Macroom, Cork" on Spreaker.

Maureen McCabe (nee Daly) and Tom Daly, Castlegregory, Kerry.

They recall the farm practices in earlier days, their schooldays, rural electrification and the arrival of the radio in their home.

Maureen and Tom Daly both live on land which was worked by previous generations of their families. They discuss beet growing, butter making and pig farming in their interview with Maurice O’Keeffe.

Remembering the years after WWII, Maureen talks about the coupons and rations books that were issued to manage food groceries.

It’s hard to believe now.

Listen to "Maureen McCabe (nee Daly) and Tom Daly, Castlegregory, Kerry" on Spreaker.

Irish Life and Lore

The recordings are part of Irish Life and Lore, a collection of almost 3,000 audio recordings about the farming practices and way of life of days gone by compiled by Maurice and Jane O'Keeffe. The collection will be launched at the RDS this September.