Old Ways

Sean MacDiarmada was one of the signers of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence declaring Ireland's freedom from England. He, along with many others, were executed by the British for their part in the Easter Uprising.

He lived in a cottage in the hills of North Leitrim and I visited it during a slight lull in the terrific weather we have had this month.

When we arrive there was a great fire roaring in the old hearth and Tina set about tending it.
Soon two workers appeared - an older man and a man in his early twenties. The young man was proud to tell us he was learning the old ways of repairing the cottage thatch... the torch is being passed so that traditions can be continued. They were happy to show me a bit of how they worked the thatch and then we all came into the cottage and talked by the fire. The frost came that evening...