I just found this link in the Winter 2004 Sing Out and have been reading transcriptions of the original letters that Patrick MacNamara, schoolmaster of Tavrane School in Kilkelly, County Mayo wrote to John Hunt. The link is:Kilkelly letters, and also contains an interview with MacNamara's grandson, photos, discussions and other information.
The information was compiled by contemporary County Mayo native Michael Clarke.
I found this fascinating, hope you will enjoy it, too.
Blessings,
Barbara