Great Characters
Described as “great characters” who are “in a class of their own when it comes to story-telling or entertaining… or play-acting”, Paddy McGowan and James Doherty are introduced in this radio programme which focuses on the pair who were from Geaglom, Drumkeeran and who were well known in the area for their involvement in dramas, recitations, stories and music.
James Doherty speaks about Montgomery, a local landlord.
Paddy McGowan tells us about local evictions and the land league followed by an interesting tale about “the walking gallows” from James.
James also has a story about “the taking of the butter”
Songs
Although there is no song about “the walking gallows”, James has a song that was composed by local man Pakie Meehan, about the landlord, Montgomery and the hills of Creevelea and the land league efforts.
North Leitrim – a great place for music – Paddy chats about John Frank Doherty, flute playing and making bodhráns. Described as “a one man band” , Paddy proceeds to play two tunes on the mouth organ and bodhrán.
Paddy and James composed a song about Allen View school, the school that Paddy attended, which Paddy sings here.
Allen View School
In the Duchas schools collection, Caitlín Ní Thighearnan writes about local schools, including Allen View as informed by Bean Mhichil Mhic Pharthlann, Corraweehil Glebe, Co. Leitrim. There are a few great stories about the various teachers, the subjects the children learned and the extra work, like saving turf, that some of them had to do.
James chats about his own school days and both men’s involvement with the drama society.
Musical Family
Pat “Phildy” McGowan was well known as a composer and musician in and around Drumkeeran – there was many a céilí held in his house. He also came from a musical family. Listening to himself and James Doherty egging each other on here, we can only conclude that they were great characters and carriers of the tradition as well as great supporters of each other.
