DIGITAL Download. The Meitheal

Neighbours came together to help out at harvest time. They were rewarded afterwards with a fine meal. It could be boiled Spuds, Bacon and cabbage washed down with the black stuff.
 
I remember the men tying string around their ankles to stop rats from running up their legs before they embarked on cutting the hay. Sometimes they would be a Seisiún afterwards with music, singing and dancing.

There was no electricity in some area so it was the paraffin lamp which provided the evening glow, sometimes doubling up as the Sacred Heart light. This was also the era before running water and it was usually the well which provided this. My uncle's house in Mayo had a narrow channel which diverted the fresh water tumbling from the mountain behind. The jug and bowl seen on the window cill were filled with water heated over the fire to wash yourself.