Drawing home a priest’s turf in Ballynacargy

From the Westmeath Examiner archive

One of the first stories ever printed by the Westmeath Examiner, in its inaugural September 28, 1882 edition, reported that the people of Ballynacargy and Sonna, numbering around 100, gathered for the purpose of bringing home turf for their beloved parish priest, Rev Fr J Cantwell.

Many of those who gathered had horses and carts at their disposal for the work, but unfortunately they encountered problems.

“This is the second time during the season his parishioners have made an attempt to bring home all Father Cantwell’s turf but unfortunately the road leading from the bog is in such a neglected condition that it is almost impossible to bring a load along it, and the people were only able to bring two loads each, whilst formerly they used to bring five,” the report read.

After even two days of loading, they were unable to complete the work, but on a future day the people planned to assemble again “for the same laudable purpose”.

“It is a disgrace to have the road in such a state, and whoever is responsible should look after it immediately,” the report concluded.

(Westmeath Examiner, September 28, 1882)