Babies Diaries

Baby Casey kept a diary everyday for many years giving us an insight into the daily lives of her family and neighbours in the early 1930s. These glimpses of everyday life show us a much simpler life consisting of family, friends and a small community.

January 1931

28th Wednesday

Got February messenger today. Patrick (her brother) went for oil. Fine, sunny but rainy looking. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. James (her other brother) at Nolan’s Cross until 8.30. A shower and bad looking 2.30 turning out fine after.

29th Thursday

Fine, gloomy westerly wind. Bus past, 8 or 9 in it. James (brother) in bed with cold. May (Doyle) up in the evening for milk, stayed until after 8. Joe (O’Dea) down for milk, down again in the night.

30th Friday

Fine morning then started misting and raining from 2pm. James (brother) still in bed. Carmody (neighbour) who always brings the Clare Champion came in after dinner. Pattie (Patrick Doyle) up in the night with clothes for John’s(uncles family). Joe (O’ Dea better known locally as The Monk) down. It dried off around 7.30pm.

31st Saturday

Morning dawns, pelting rain, very bad. Dried at 11am. Showers followed. Started raining again at 3pm. Stormy and wild evening. James (brother) in bed still. I went in the bus, got 1stone of flour home. Polly (Keane), Delia Burns, Mrs Killeen and the Twomeys in it. Got (bus) tickets at Hassetts Hill, he (bus conductor) was writing 16 in and 11 out. Met nan in town. Got pudding and meat from her.

February 1931

1st Sunday

Fine, showery and breezy, none of us at mass. Me and Patrick (brother) went back as far as Hassett’s in the trap and turned as it was too late. May (Doyle) up after dinner and stayed till after 5.30pm. Joe (O’Dea) down at 3 for milk. Pattie (Patrick Doyle) put in J Malone’s cattle, they were on the road. James (brother) got up at 3.30. May up for milk.

2nd Monday

Candelmas Day

Fine, dark, sunny at 3pm. James still in bed with cold. I was at mass, Fr Murray celebrated. Bus passed 7 or 8 in it. Dad in town in pony and car for flour and meal. Also bought a strong brush at O’Sheas for 2 shillings and 3 pence. Was going on Saturday but owing to the rain went today instead. Miss Irving started teaching again (Killimer N.S.). Twomeys got new motor last Saturday and first day they passed this road with the new motor.

3rd Tuesday

Fine after night of frost. Dad went for load of turf. James (brother) in bed. Pattie (Patrick Doyle) up in the night for milk. Joe (O’Dea, Monk) down in the night. May (Doyle) went to town on her bike for themselves. S. Dold’s motor car got stuck below at Morgies (O’Connell). Dold was out with the clock. Pattie and Rochfords shifted it for him.

4th Wednesday

Misty at 9 rain turning fine and sunny after for the day. James (brother)in bed. May (Doyle) came up at 1pm, made loaves. Paddy O’Dea down with tea. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. Dads leg stiff and lame since before the fair on 16th January. Mike Maloney and W. Vance (Willie) on the road. Mike on the road since Monday. Hickey gone over to Mountshannon since Monday fishing. He was here last Tuesday week for the scythe.

5th Thursday

At last the day has come(coursing day), fine morn gloomy, south west wind. Bus went back as I was putting down the breakfast. A good crowd in it, it was full. Tommie (Neville) in with scythe. First motor went back while we were separating the milk. O’Dea’s dog got killed with motor. James got up at 12. Dad and James did not go at all to the coursing. Started raining at about quarter to 5 or 4.30. May (Doyle) then came home at 3.30. I was with Mary E Keating(friend). Fleming (sergeant) over with us. Kelly’s dog Kildangan got into all age final, Franklin bet him.

6th Friday

Fine, sunny, westerly wind. Me and James at confession to Fr Hayes, two priests. This was for first Friday Mass. Carmody brought The Clare Champion. James not at school. Mary (O’Dea) down for milk. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. May (Doyle) up in the night.

7th Saturday

Fine, gloomy, westerly wind. Randal Behan (Tarmon) buried and motors in it. Very long funeral. Dad went over to the cross to meet it. James in bus, 12 or 14 in it. Polly (Keane), Garda Fleming and the Sergeant in it. He bought a torch 1s.3d. May (Doyle)came up after for milk. Pattie (Doyle) in bed with a cold. Dad went up to Pettie with Big Garry (cow brought to the bull). I heard town bell behind at the turf at 6 o’clock and heard Tarbert’s lightly. The town bell was very plain.

8th Sunday

Morn misty and misty showers during the day. At mass. Fr Hayes in Duggan’s motor, it was late when he came, they met with a mishap on the road. Mary O’Dea down for the day. Joe (O’Dea) in the night. Dad over at Petties with short horn.

9th Monday

Fine, sunny, came a misty shower in the evening. May (Doyle) came up for new milk at 2pm, did not stay long. Patty (Doyle) in bed with cold. Bus goes by, 8 or 9 in it. James went back to Neenans (shop) for sweets and a pen nib for me. He got a handle with it. James got a flash lamp. Tommies (postman Neville) 9th time in, this year.

10th Tuesday

Hard, westerly wind, sun out for parts. Dad went down with a bottle of milk in the morning, May (Doyle) came up at 3.30 to make half bucket of cream. James (brother) at (Nolans) cross in the night. I went over to cross with May. Miss Irving teaching, the master in bed with a cold. May has cold.

11th Wednesday

Fine, sunny, N. W. Wind cold and stormy with showers. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. Patrick (brother) cut off a big branch off the tree behind the stile last evening. He split some of the blocks today. Upper door shut owing to the wind. Waterloo cup (the major coursing meeting in England) first day today.

12th Thursday

Clarecastle coursing this week. Very stormy N.W. wind and some hard showers. Tommie (Neville the postman) in from a shower going back. Polly (Keane) in the bus, 8 or 9 in it. Dad below in the morn with milk. Joe (O’Dea) not down. James at cross in the night (Nolans Cross/Forge was a meeting place for locals on their cuaird)

13th Friday

Same as previous day. Dad having cold with fortnight, cough and a headache. These days James at the cross in the night (cuaird like previously mentioned). Patrick went down to Doyle with milk at 7pm, came up at nine. Tommie (Neville postman) in with papers, John (Hickey) gave Polly(Keane) the day befores.

14th Saturday

Misty day, dry now and again. Bus goes 9 or 10 in it. Tommie (Neville postman) in with letter for grassland management and manure. Patrick (brother) in town in the evening, went at 4 on bike. Joe (O’Dea) down for milk for the last time, their cow calved yesterday. Pattie (Doyle) up in the evening for milk, came at 5pm went again at 8.30. Got pair of black stockings, Patrick got them at Beauty O’Sheas 2 shilling. Boots hurting me with the other stockings. The Waterloo Cup won by Conversion. Plaited my hair for all day in the morning, left on cap.

15th Sunday

Fine gloomy west wind. At mass, Fr. Murray. Mary O’Dea down in the day. Joe (O’Dea) in the even and in the night. Pattie (Doyle) came at 5 stayed until 8 for milk and a coat for rain tomorrow. A shower at 4.30.

16th Monday

N.W. wind cold with fierce hailstone showers. Bus goes after breakfast, 4 or 5 in it. Fleming (Garda) in it. James (brother) at cross in the night (Nolans Cross as before). Joe (O’Dea) down. Pattie (Doyle) went to Kilmihil fair (walked 30km round trip) with cow, did not sell at all. Tommie (Neville postman) in with rent receipts. Dad went down to Doyles in the morn with milk.

17th Tuesday

Same as previous day. Dad went down with small bottle of milk. Pattie (Doyle) up for tin can of milk for bread. James went over too with tin can of milk to Keane’s. Polly (Keane) came in last morn but ran out when she saw Margaret (dog?) in the kitchen. Patrick cut tree branch.

18th Wednesday

Fine, very calm and warm and sunny. Frost overnight. I was at mass Ash Wednesday. Tommie (Neville) in with catelogue for James. Pattie (Doyle) up for milk. At night Joe (O’Dea) down. Sent for two back Cream Colanders.(for the milk)

19th Thursday

Misty at intervals. Bus 8 or 9 in it. James (brother) not at school, he thought it too late when he got up. Tommie (Neville Postman) in with McQ & Brady catalogue. Aggie Farrell brought to Chapel in Ennis. Hearse and the Farrells went in Clunes motor. Went back at 5pm. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night.

20th Friday

Misty morn, turning sunny and showers during the day. Pollie (Keane) up in the morn for milk. Tommie (Neville Postman) in with catalogue for James from Bradford. Aggie Farrell buried, coffin brought in motor. Two motors in funeral Clunes and the one that brought coffin, Reidy’s car.

21st Saturday

Fine, W. Wind with showers at intervals and a sunny evening. Pattie (Doyle) up for milk, their cow calved yesterday in the evening at 4pm. Got coursing calendars. Tommie (Neville postman) in. James in bus, 21 or 22 in it. 12 going in and more coming out. Different conductor today. Dunne (inspector) popped in at Black Road and looked at their tickets. James 4d in and 6d out he was charged. He got another mouth organ. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. Joe missed the bus, their clock was slow. James at cross (Nolans Cross, cuaird), James brought his boots.

Attached is photo of her two brothers James and Patrick.

22nd Sunday

Fine, sunny, N. West wind. At mass, Fr Hayes. There was a marriage this morning went over at just 9am. I went up hill to see where the motors went. One over straight and young Lillis up the road. I heard town bell when first mass was over. Young Lillis driving priest to mass. Pattie (Doyle) up about 3pm for milk. Mary, Pa, Imy O’Dea down after for the day. Joe (O’Dea) in the night. Patrick and James (brothers) down with Pattie, came up at 8pm.

23rd Monday

Fine with showers. Patrick (brother) and Pattie (Doyle) at fair in Kilrush. Pattie had 2 heifers of his own, sold £22.10. May (Doyle) came up with him in the morn. They came out in the bus, over 25 in it. 9 or 10 going back. Tommie (Neville postman) in with catalogue for James (brother).

24th Tuesday

Fine, gloomy, misty shower in the evening. Patrick (brother) cut a branch over in the haggard. May (Doyle) came up for milk, did not stay long. Pattie (Doyle) in town, ass and car for themselves. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night, James (brother) at cross (Nolan’s Cross for cuaird as before). Tommie (Neville postman) in with Bradys catalogue for Patrick.

25th Wednesday

Fine morning, raining, dried in the even. James (brother) not at school, too late. Tommie (Neville postman) in with Graves catalogue for Patrick. Joe (O’Dea) down in night.

26th Thursday

Fine, showery morn, Pattie (Doyle) came up he was going to the bog, but he was told the bog was too wet and he didn’t go at all. Bus went, 8 or 10 in it. Polly (Keane) in it. Patrick (brother) cut big block of timber into small jots. Inspection of bulls at (Nolans) cross due at 2.30, inspector did not come until 4.30pm. James (brother) over with Callaghan. May (Doyle) up in evening, made butter in a bottle. Joe (O’Dea) down. James at cross (Nolans Cross for cuaird in the evening). Tommie (Neville postman) in with Bradys catalogue.

27th Friday

Bad, raining, north east rain at 4.30pm. Lightened in the evening and dried off. The Master teaching today again. James (brother) and Francis Nolan pumping a football here.

Below a photo of James and Francie Nolan.

28th February

Dawns fine. Joe (O’Dea) down when we getting up. 8.30 ready for the bus, then started snowing until 10.30. Bus then came when dry. James goes in it, charged 1 shilling. Polly (Keane) in it and Neenans. 18 going in out and less in. Pattie (Doyle) up for saw in the morn. The day is cold, North East wind. Children’s confession at Chapel. Fr Hayes went back. He went over again to Burrane to a funeral. Martin Fennell Knockerra went back after. Martin Rochford went into hospital last Thursday 26th February.

1st March

Fine, N.E. wind, at mass Fr Murray. Back with Polly (Keane) and Baby (Nolan). Home with Mrs O’Dea with past few Sunday’s. Done stations today and last Sunday. Mary O’Dea down. Mrs Lynch as she was passing over gave Mary a book “The perils of beauty” and I kept it to read it. I got “Convict 99” after Xmas from them to read. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night.

2nd March

Fine, gloomy and cold. Bus goes with 8 or 9 going back. Up to 20 going over. Francie Nolan and James (brother) over mending a football. Tommie (Neville postman) in with Selfridge catalogue. Patrick went to town in the evening for hay knife on his bike. Young Pointy calved a grey heifer below in the Eastern Fort field. Wind South East and drops of rain in the evening. Snain Shannon here begging, he went home at 8pm. He was talking to Curran going home

3rd March

Fine, gloomy and cold. South East wind. Pollys (Keane) grey heifer died. Pattie (Doyle) went for turf for himself. He went up in the even with car and pony. Stayed until 8pm. No Joe (O’Dea). Tommie (Neville postman) in with Brady’s catalogue.

4th March

Raining in the morning, dried in midday. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. Pattie (Doyle) went for load of turf for us.

5th March

Fine, light, misty showers in the morning. Cold S.E. wind. Bus goes 14 or 15 in it. Polly (Keane) in it. Tommie (Neville postman) in with Graves catalogue for James (brother). James at cross in the night (Nolan’s for cuaird). Pattie (Doyle) went about 9.30pm. Dad went down to Doyles for grain, flour and meal.

6th March

Very cold after black frost overnight. N.E. wind. First Friday today, three of us went to mass. I went to Fr Murray for confession. Dad went to town in the pony and car. He got a half sack of flour and meal. Tommie (Neville postman) in with letter for lister separators and Polly (Keane) brought yesterday’s Irish Independent.

7th March

Fine, gloomy at spells, with sun other times. Bus passed up to 20 in it. Mrs Mulvihille in it. Went back before breakfast. Very cold. Roads dry today and yesterday. May (Doyle) came up with clothes to bring to town. She thought no one went yesterday. She came at 3pm stayed until 6.30pm.

8th March

Very cold, frost and N.E. wind. At mass with Fr Hayes. Benediction after mass, no music. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night.

9th March

Fine, sunny after frost. Bus goes after breakfast, 3 or 4 in it. May (Doyle) went in on her new bike at 4pm. Pattie (Doyle) up in the night with a globe and 3lb pot of jam May had bought. Roads very dry. Joe (O’Dea) down. Electric hare drawn with bike in town yesterday and Sunday last, which was the first time it was used.

10th March

Fine, cold these days. Sunny. Young son at Neenans. May (Doyle) up with bike in the evening. Joe (O’Dea) down. Dad cutting rushes these days, yesterday and today. James got notice for cutting trees from Willy Vance. The Canon McInerney dead. I let out young pointy for half an hour down the field.

11th March

Fine as previous day. Twomeys went this way in the morn. Margaret at town, went at 10am. Tommie (Neville postman) in with catalogue for James from Bradys. They drawing rushes down. Child at Neenans baptised Patrick Joseph. James at cross (Nolans for cuaird). Joe (O’Dea) down. Got postal orders and stamps 10/6 for dress to Sheila MG Co. James brought over letter in the night.

12th March

Fine, sunny S. West changing up near N. West. A shower in the evening. Twomeys went this way, had Katie Madigan and Ciss Talty in car. Bus goes 8 or 10 in it. Dad and Patrick putting out manure for spuds. James in at high mass for Dean McInerney. James went in on his new bike. He was sitting up in saddle, his first day and went just after bus. Home at 4.30pm. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. Tommie (Neville postman) in with catalogue and a letter from Listers.

13th March

Fine, rained last night, a few light showers otherwise very sunny. May (Doyle) up in the evening for letter for Listers.

14th March

Fine, morn calm. Heard 9 o’clock whistle before I got up in bed. Tommie (Neville postman) in with letters from Brady’s for Patrick. Bus goes, good crowd, before breakfast. A different bus since Thursday. Not ZI 22 but ZI 1602. I milked a sup for breakfast. Dad went to town at 5pm on the new bike. Home at 8.30. No Joe (O’Dea). James gets bike from Patrick (brothers).

Below a photo of Baby’s parents Molly and Pat Casey.

15th March

Fine, hard dry day. N. E. wind same as last few days, no sun it was gloomy. At mass, Fr Murray. Patrick (brother) went over to Dalys kicking football. He was home at 6pm. Fr Hayes there (Fr Hayes who also made an effort to introduce hurling in the parish). Mary O’Dea down. Dad below at Doyles.

16th March

Fine, hard dry, gloomy, sunny at times. Patrick (brother) went down to Doyles and Pattie went up to Molougha with him plastering Jack’s grave. Bus goes 4 or 5 in it. May (Doyle) went to town at 4pm on new bike, she sent for separator. Young ass foaled. First foal ever today. Went over to Pat Cleary with May and I went in to tell him to go to town next day in to Donnellans. Tommie (Neville postman) in with Sheila dress.

17th March

St Patrick’s Day

Fine, dull SE wind. At mass, Fr Hayes. I heard the young red cock crow for the first time. Went to Knock at 3 o’clock on new bike, Patrick, James (brothers) and Joe (O’Dea) left at 1pm. I went in to Keanes, May (Doyle) and them there. Labasheeda 1-4 Killimer nil. Patrick not playing. Me and Polly went to Kilmore, arrived home at 7.30pm. I went into the graves on the way, James with me.

18th March

Fine, dull, same as yesterday. Dad went for a load of turf. James (brother) went to town on his bike after school for the paper. James got four fish from Mrs Neenan coming from school. Got Cleeves coupons for the first time.

19th March

Misty for spells in the morn turning into a fine hardy day after. Bus goes, 4 back, crowd over. Fair in town today, none of us there, not much good. Dad and Patrick cutting bushes back along the haggard from shade of the road. Nightingale calved a grey bullock.

20th March

Fine, hardy, dry day. Got letters, Tommie (Neville postman) in, from listers. Patrick went down with it to May about separator. Dad opening drills above in haggard. Fr Hayes and John Malone went over to Mrs Carthy. Fr Hayes back to see Fr Murray. He was talking to Dad before that about buying a cow. Had fish for dinner, very salty. Pattie (Doyle) went in for separator to Neenans but it was not it. Nolan’s ass and car went over this way going home.

21st March

Fine, dry, sunny day. Francy Nolan came over for our fork to dig the haggard. Pattie (Doyle) came up at 9.30am. He was going to town for potatoes for himself in the pony and car. Bus goes, good share in it. Bus passed Pattie later at cosy cottage gate, he got the separator. May (Doyle) up in even for collars to wash. Joe (O’Dea) down.

22nd March

At mass Fr Murray. Fine summer like day, sunny and warm. Patrick and James (brothers) went with Nolans and Peter to football match in ass and trap. Killimer 2 points Kilrush 2 goals and 1 point. Dad went in on new bike. James and I went over to Killaly cross on two bikes at 7.30pm. John and Martin Nolan with us. Mary O’Dea down during the day. Joe (O’Dea) in the night. Pattie (Doyle) up.

Patrick’s run down of the matches in his copy!

23rd March

Fine, same as yesterday. Dad below at Doyles for fork. Pattie (Doyle) up with 2 bags of spuds in the morn. Setting haggard. Nightingale (cow) above today. James went into town on bike in the evening for things. Superintendent Curtin, Tipperary, shot. All in todays paper. Shot Friday night. Mrs Tubridy dead in town.

24th March

Same as yesterday, fine, sunny. Pattie (Doyle) up in the morn for horse, putting out manure for spuds. Went home and came up in the evening and brought him to forge. Dad setting in the haggard. Patrick and James (brothers) below at Doyles getting separator in the evening. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. The sweepstakes draw is today. Mary (O’Dea) in bringing water from sláinte (well) with a week. Pet calved about 3.30am this morn, herself out for a drink at 5pm this evening.

25th March

Fine gloomy, breezy, E. wind. Ploughing place below. Horse fair in town. May (Doyle) came up at 5 for bike to go to home. Mrs Tubridy was buried today. May came home this way Patrick settled (fixed) her bike. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night. Mary (O’Dea) down with paper. Sweeps announcement in todays paper.

26th March

Same as yesterday. Bus goes, 9 or 10 in it. James was behind at the well 8.25 a.m. Put big cattle up, first day with a long time. Dad went to town for spuds he bought yesterday. John did first day of the stations at the Chapel.

27th March

Fine, dull. They were ploughing. Sun out at intervals. Heard Leslie’s bell twice today once at 1.30pm and again at 7pm in the evening.

28th March

I was at confession Fr Murray. Raining and I coming from Chapel. Dried at about 10am. I had my breakfast taken. Bus came James went in it, up to 15 in it. Mrs O’Driscoll in it. I went in for first time to Ryan’s office for box of candles for John’s (uncles shop). Turned bad evening. Egan Conductor in Bus. Dunne married a month. Joe (O’Dea) down. Patrick (brother) got knickers (football togs).

29th March

Bad morning dried after mass. At mass Fr Hayes. Palm Sunday. Turned showery day. Dad below at Doyles. Me and James went over to Kilmore house. Patrick and Carmody went to Knock. No football, Kilmurry did not turn up. Went into Burns (pub) on our return journey from 5.30 to 7.10pm.

30th March

Showery and dull. Dad went to town for the remainder of the bags of spuds. Bought half a sack of flour and meal. Patrick (brother) got a letter from Tyler’s boot company.

31st March

Fine light showers during the day otherwise dull day with S.E. wind. Put out young calves in the cabin.

1st April

Wet, raining and misty. Patrick (brother) got football boots. Tommie (Neville postman) in. Pattie (Doyle) up for wrenches to rip wheels.

2nd April

Fine, sunny day. Red Polly calved above in the wild meadow, above the hill gap. We pulled the calf and brought him down. They got holidays in the school yesterday. Bus goes, 12 or more in it. May (Doyle) up in the night with winkles. There was an eclipse of the moon, we saw it.

3rd April

Good Friday

Fine, gloomy for spells. Patrick and James (brothers) went back at 3 to Chapel. I went back about 6pm.

4th April

Fine after frost last night. I was in the bus 15 or 16 in, 27 out. Met JJ (cousin), he brought in a loaf. Was near Mrs McAuliffe going in and sat in the second last seat coming out. We came in up by the Chapel and down Henry Street. Patrick (brother) cut branch.

Patrick below with his bike

5th April

Easter Sunday

Misty and rain all day. At mass, Fr Murray. Young Black heifer calved early this morning- red bullock (shorthorn). Joe (O’Dea) down in the night.

6th April

Fine, S. West wind. Bank Holiday, no bus. May (Doyle) up in the evening mending her bike. Mary O’Dea down before that with book. Gave her photos to bring up, she came down again about 7.30 with them. Nolan’s and Peter (Mc) here for first evening kicking ball.

7th April

Fine, gloomy. Pattie (Doyle) up for spuds and up again in the night with pony. She followed him down. Nolans here.

Picture of Pattie Doyle below

8th April

Fine, sunny at spells. Rained overnight. Black cow calved, grey black heifer in the morning. May (Doyle) up in the evening for pump. She was going to town, she had her own bike. Nolans, Peter (Mc) and P O’Dea here. Mary (O’Dea) brought down my big autograph book, I had gave it to Joe on Sunday night.

9th April

Fine, summer day, very warm and fine. Bus goes, 14 or 15 in it. We have started milking. Patrick and Dad ploughing and harrowing to get the garden set up.

10th April

Fine, summer like yesterday. Up this morn at 7.30am. Dad cutting spuds (sciolláins before setting). Me and Jim (Neville) at confession, confession held today owing to first Friday falling on Good Friday. Confession to Fr Hayes. Tommie (Neville postman) in with James’ knickers (football shorts).

11th April

Fine, summer like, turning gloomy about 3.30pm. Misty at 6pm. Dad saw four swallows today. James on the bus, 20 going in, near up to 30 coming home. Since Thursday 4d (4p – d was the symbol for the old penny) each way. Bus having papers again. The Kilkee 2 o’clock bus coming again. It had stopped for a few months. The 3 calves were out for their first day.

12th April

Fine, sunny, N.W. wind. At mass, Fr Hayes. Up at 7am. Back with Keanes, Maureen Nolan with them. Patrick and James (brothers) went to Cooraclare to football match on their bikes. Kilkee beat Kilrush. Dad below at Doyles. May (Doyle) came up at 4.30pm and we went to Kilmore House. Home again 1 and a half hours later. Patrick and James home at 8.30pm.

13th April

Fine, turning gloomy at 1.30pm. Patrick and dad at fair, sold red Cooraclare heifer and Ballfaced Kerry (would have had a white face) £11 and £9 each. Dad came home on his own bike. Patrick home on the bus, up to 30 in it. May (Doyle) came up at 8.15am. Pattie (Doyle) up at 11.30 for pony. He went for load of turf for himself. May went at 3pm. Tommie (Neville postman) in with catalogue for James. Pattie back up with pony in the even. Joe (O’Dea) down in the night.

14th April

Fine, gloomy and calm in the evening. Dad and Patrick were opening drills for the spuds.

15th April

Fine, N.E. wind. Pattie (Doyle) up, we were setting potatoes. Nolan’s here kicking ball. James not at school.

16th April

Fine, sunny with N.E. wind. I was a bit sick today. Pattie (Doyle) up. He brought down our horse as he was finishing off his own potatoes. Bus went 8 or 9 in it.

17th April

Fine, gloomy N.E. wind. Pattie (Doyle) up, he went for turf for us. Black Mulqueens cow calved a black heifer calf. Its our first black calf. She calved at 8pm.

18th April

Fine, N.E. wind. Dad in town in pony and car. Brought half sack of meal. He brought a pair of black boots to Jim 15s/6d.

19th April

Fine, N.E. wind. I was up at 8am. At mass Fr Murray. Patrick and James (brothers) went over to Daly’s field kicking, they only went for a while. Me and Mary and Paddy O’Dea went over in Morgies ass and car. Walked it later, at home at 7.30pm. Moloneys and Butlers divided at mechanic hare. 20 dogs there the first day. Mulqueens grey heifer calved at 4.30pm.

20th April

Fine, same as yesterday. New time. Up at 8.30 new time. Bus goes by, Mrs Mulvihille in it. Pattie (Doyle) up putting manure on the hill. James (brother) got paper from the bus for the Master (Neenan).

21st April

Fine, sunny S.E. wind. James (brother) in bed with a cold. Twomeys went this way, first time with a long time. Pattie (Doyle) up to put out manure. Denis Cleary and Peter (McNamara) and Francie (Nolan) here kicking with Patrick. May (Doyle) came up for saw to go fencing.

22nd April

Fine, with some slight showers at intervals. James not at school. Pattie (Doyle) up working. Jack McInerney here kicking with Patrick.

23rd April

Fine, some light showers like yesterday. James at school. A few in the bus and it passing back. Hassett’s High Mass in the Chapel (this was a special mass you had to book such as for a funeral, month’s mind or anniversary, and it would have had at least 3 priests officiating.) Twomeys went there. May (Doyle) up in the evening with the saw. I was hurling. Francie Nolan here kicking.

24th April

Fine, with light showers. May (Doyle) up at 6pm with papers. She asked us to bring her tea tomorrow from town.

Below: The famous May Doyle

25th April

Fine, slight showers, bus goes as I was getting up, good crowd in it. Pat Cleary went to Limerick in Blunnies motor about 8am. I went to town at 4.30 new time on bike. Home at 8.30 new time. Got Kruschen Salts. Over with Dennis Cleary from Dan Corrys.

26th April

Slight showers at intervals during the day. At mass Fr Hayes. Patrick, James and Peter (Mc) went to Cooraclare for a match but Killimer got a walk over, Bealaha did not turn up. Kilkee beat Kilmurry Ibrickan 4-5 to 0-1. May (Doyle) up at 3.30 and I went down to the shore when she was going home at 5pm, to see Joe and Martin. Joe bad with a week. Mary O’Dea down during the day. Boys home at 7pm. I called into May coming home and saw ass, foal and separator.

27th April

Weather same as yesterday. Bus went before breakfast, 2 or 3 in it. A different bus today ZI 1625, the bus for the last few weeks was ZI 995. Tommie (Neville postman) in to hear about yesterday’s matches.

28th April

Fine, same as yesterday. Mr Cleary had his first day teaching at the school. (Francie) Nolan here kicking with the lads.

29th April

Summer like day. Dad in town for flour. He brought a strong brush and meal home too. Started separating (milk) this evening for first time with a while. Callaghan kicking here this evening. Put 2 calves in the scullery out after milking.

30th April

Calm Summer, sunny day. John (Nolan) out in the bus. 9 or 10 in it. May (Doyle) up for sugar. Dad went for turf. Patrick and James (brothers) went down to the shore to see Joe at 9pm. There was a bright moon. John went down too on new bike. They came back up at 11.30pm.