Voices from the Past
In June 2021, Courtown Community Council commissioned folklorist Michael Fortune (Folklore.ie) to produce a four-part series of interviews, funded with the support of an Arts and Amenity Grant from Wexford County Council. Our Chairperson, Linda Sinnott, assisted Mr Fortune with his research.
Molly, Peter and Bernadette take us back to the Courtown they grew up in - their memories and stories, just waiting to be heard.
Molly Beckett - Courtown Harbour
Molly grew up in Courtown. Listen to how her great-grandfather arrived in the area many years ago.
Peter Sinnott - Riverchapel
Peter tells the notorious tale of how he and two friends took a two-man canoe to Wales for the craic in 1960.
Bernadette Kenny - Riverchapel
Bernadette talks about her childhood growing up playing in the sand dunes in Ardamine.
Deirdre Tobin - The Poulshone Fishermen
This song features on Michael Fortune's collection "Songs of the Wexford Coast - The Films, Volume 1", inspired by Father Joseph Ranson's 1948 publication.
"Lord Courtown" - sung by James McDonald
While we wait on the fourth interview, enjoy this rendition of Lord Courtown. James's parents, Marie and Robbie, owned the 19th pub in the harbour.
Got a story worth recording?
The collection grows because people share what they remember. If you've a memory, a song or an old photograph of Courtown or Riverchapel, we'd love to hear from you.