Telling the time without a watch

In this audio clip which appeared on HeritageCertificate.ie recently, the late Andrew Lynch, Ballydaly, recalls that it was possible to tell the time in the country side without looking at a watch, by looking at where the sun shone on the mountain, and by the noises from farmers and animals all around.

This excerpt is from a 60 minute interview done in may 2003 with Maurice O’Keeffe, and the full interview can be purchased from the Irish Life & Lore website for €15. The details of the interview are:

Interviewee: ANDREW LYNCH
Audio series: Cork county (Duhallow), third series
Product ID: CDCK03-38
Subject: Ballydaly in times past.
Recorded by: Maurice O’Keeffe
Recording date: May 2003
Length: 60.00
Memories of farming and of life in Ballydaly, Co Cork over the years. Andrew lives in an old traditional farmhouse where his father and grandfather farmed before him.

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Francis Duggan wrote this poem on Andy

Andrew Lynch

A fountain of knowledge and known far and wide
Beyond the borders of his Countryside
The great Andrew Lynch to the reaper has gone
But good stories about him are bound to live on.

So humorous and witty and without conceit
And in the house of the wise one who could take a seat
As nice a person as one could wish to meet
And he will be missed in Ballydaly, Duhallow and Millstreet.

A stalwart with Ballydaly in Gaelic Football
Andrew Lynch from my young years is one I recall
He played for the love of it just to compete
Quite joyful in victory and gracious in defeat.

‘Tis so sad to think he won’t be seen again
Andrew Lynch may be gone but the good memories remain
Of one who led by good example and lived a good life
And loved all of his children and loved his good wife.