Gortgarn Revisited

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May saw a large number of people visit the old Doherty homestead in Gortgarn. Quite a few in the area still remember Frank Doherty, the last person to live in the house up until his death in 1984.
Over the preceding few weeks members of the Association spent some time restoring the kitchen and the two ground floor rooms to what they might have resembled in the middle of the 1900's. Over the two days scones and pancakes were baked on the griddle over an open fire and all who visited were served a cup of tea and freshly baked bread. A selection of farm implements in use in the 1940,s/1950,s was on show and the presence of farm animals made sure that everyone was catered for.
We wish to thank all those who supported the event by their presence and their donations. We were delighted that Frank's two nieces Anne (Watters) and Marie (Molloy) and his Nephew Jim paid a visit on Saturday. We also wish to thank those who brought along items for display and those who controlled the flow of traffic. A special word of thanks to accordian player Henry Irwin. A huge factor in the success of the week-end was undoubtedly the appetising breads, scones and pancakes baked and served by our lady members. For this we extend our gratitude to Carmel Canning, Helen Farrell, Anne McCloskey, Ethna McCloskey, Susan McKenna and Mary K O'Kane. The griddle never had a chance to cool. Well done ladies!!!. We also extend our thanks to all those who helped in any way to make the week-end a great success.
Of coures the event would not have been possible without the support and co-operation of the present owners, twins Henry and John Forsythe, and we extend our thanks to them for the use of their facilities.
A good week-end was enjoyed by all and the accompanying photos provide sufficient proof.