On February 28, 1879, whip in hand, Father William Rhatigan threw open the schoolhouse door on Omey Island, Ireland, demanding the return of his “stray sheep.” He was looking for school children “seduced away from their faith.”
I was 35 before I met my first Irishman fresh from the island. 22 years here and it was still hard to cut through his brogue. He required I learn my history if I were to sell him another dime in materials.
An important piece that explores our collective past as we reflect on what our future may become. I do love the phrase: "There, he met an islander woman with a 'brogue as rich as a pint of stout.'”
I see Robert used the word harrowing, which also came to my mind. Yes, timely, too, as Robert notes. I am struck by the kindness and bravery of your ancestors, sheltering MacNeice and his daughter from the mob. I am glad you went back and glad you are sharing these stories.
Harrowing story. Timely.
Incredible story. Can't help wondering about the chances of these things happening here in the near future ..
Yup. You can see how the rumor flew in this story.
Thanks for reading and responding.
Thank you.
Oh, Mary. What a terrifying story! Thank you for sharing this.
Yes, scary.
Ratigans and Careys in our family. County Clare.
I was 35 before I met my first Irishman fresh from the island. 22 years here and it was still hard to cut through his brogue. He required I learn my history if I were to sell him another dime in materials.
https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Companion-Irish-History-Reference/dp/019969186X/ref=sr_1_1
I was humbled. Great man. Owe him a life.
I was 50 when I found out about the 1800's and absentee landlords syphoning all the food out of a rich productive farmland.
http://www.irishholocaust.org/
The west was hit the worst. The ships' logs in Liverpool recorded the wealth of food extracted at point of bayonet out if Ireland in the 1800's.
Thanks for your insights and for your links.
An important piece that explores our collective past as we reflect on what our future may become. I do love the phrase: "There, he met an islander woman with a 'brogue as rich as a pint of stout.'”
I see Robert used the word harrowing, which also came to my mind. Yes, timely, too, as Robert notes. I am struck by the kindness and bravery of your ancestors, sheltering MacNeice and his daughter from the mob. I am glad you went back and glad you are sharing these stories.
Your famiy history is so colorful and vibrant.