Johnny was 3 years my senior and one of my favourite memories of us in school was the time our very strict and contrary headmaster asked Johnny to put turf on the open fire in the classroom while he had to leave the room for a few minutes. Johnny hopped up from his bench and added turf to the fire but also had the great idea to use the fire tongs to push the forward the big hand of the classroom clock. As well as hoping we would get to finish school early for the day we were also apprehensive as Johnny had left ashes from the fire tongs on the clock and if the master spotted it we would all be in big trouble but luckily enough he didn't see it.
After school we would rush home across the fields to help out on the farm. Johnny loved working with the cattle or 'tattle' as he called them when we were small. When we got older we walked many miles to fairs with the cattle and sometimes if they were not sold due to bad prices we would have to walk them home again.
Johnny loved Gaelic football especially when his local Abbeylara team were playing. When he worked in Coole he cycled the 10 miles home and then we both walked to the match together. The odd time a match was cancelled due to bad weather Johnny would be very disappointed. We have had plenty of chats over the years about the GAA and he always maintained an interest in the championship and league.
As well as the cattle Johnny was fond of the horses especially our big chestnut cob Paddy. Many a summer we worked with Paddy in Rincoolagh bog transporting the wet turf to the spread bank to dry known as 'sliding'. After the work was finished Johnny would hop up on Paddy's back minus a saddle, bridle and bit and would clear the low hedges on the way home guiding the horse with only a twig.
As young gasuns (lads) we were fascinated by the old steam trains that passed up and down the Cavan/ Dublin railway line transporting Hereford cattle, goods and passengers (the train track was close to the home place). We were very excited to see the Cavan supporters passing by on the train to Croke Park for the big GAA final with their blue and white flags. For added fun we placed half pennies (when we had them) on the line in the hope that the passing train would flatten them and convert them into pennies.
Johnny loved being outdoors and was a 'sight' (Longfordism for very interested) for hunting rabbits and pheasants. In the 1950s rabbit prices were good (5 or 6 shillings in old money) and he and our terriers Jeff and Tiny would accompany us on our many hunting expeditions.
I missed Johnny when he emigrated to England but thankfully he got home most years on holidays around the end of September. This time of year would coincide with the weanling cattle sales here on the farm and Johnny would say "I reckon Jimmy I will come with you to the mart". Luckily we didn't have to walk them to the mart like when we were young and had to walk them to the fairs.
Manys the time over the years Johnny would help me with cleaning the slatted cattle shed in preparation for the wintering of cattle and any other task I was doing on the farm. However once it came to 6pm he would say to me "Buck it Jimmy, we have enough done for the day and I am on holidays. Will you drop me off for a pint?"
Over the years I got to visit Johnny and Maureen in England. He took great pride in his farm, garden and the soil and one year he brought home giant onions which were 3 pound in weight. My last visit to him was after his accident and it was lovely spending the time with him wandering down memory lane.
It is coming to the time of the year again for getting the sheds ready for the cattle and I reckon Johnny I could do with your help.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. (May He Rest in Peace)
Your Brother Jimmy, Coole
