Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?

Subject: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 13 May 01 - 12:58 PM

Click here for part 1.

Subject: Lyr Add: SPANCILHILL
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 01 - 01:23 PM

Here's the meat of it, for those that don't go back to the original thread or can't open it. I have the tape by Robbie, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this song (and sean nós singing).

Subject: Where is Spancil Hill?
From: Alice
Date: 24-Apr-98 - 11:49 AM

I have asked this question of Irish websites with no reply. Since those of you here who are Irish were so quick with geography information on the Boulavogue thread, I hope you can tell me where Spancil Hill is located (if it is a real place in Ireland). The song is a real crowd pleaser here, since so many can relate their grandparents experience to it. It's especially appropriate if I end it with 'I woke in Butte, Montana' instead of 'California'.

Thanks.

alice

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill?
From: McGrath
Date: 27-Apr-98 - 05:32 PM

How are ye lads?

It's great to see so much interest in Spancihill.

As Martin pointed out, it's a relatively new song. And he's right again! There is no need for argument. It's a mighty song and that's why it's sung often and has adopted by many and adapted here and there along the way. And shure who gives a tinkers flying spit as long as we all enjoy ourselves and harm nobody.

God! I write so much unneccessary s*#% at times!

I'll have the "full" Spancilhill lyrics by post from Robbie in a couple of days and will add them to this thread upon receipt. (It's a lot longer than the pop version(s) )

Robbie has given me permission to put his address and phone details here for anyone who wants to contact him directly. (But please be mindful of the time differences and don't phone him at unsocial hours.) He has his own cassette tape (no CD yet) which he sells for £5 (1 Irish Pound = US$ 1.38 approx.) plus postage.

Robbie McMahon
Greenview
Spancilhill
Ennis
Co. Clare

Ph: 065 29874
Ph: 011 353 65 29874 (from the USA)

I promise just to write the words of the song and cut out all the crap in future.

Frank McGrath

Robbie McMahon promised to start writing out his history and stories relating to the song "Spancilhill" but here is a little sample just to keep the thread current. The song I will have in two days and the full history in another a week or two.

The author of "Spancillhill", Michael Considine, was born around 1850 and emigrated to the USA from Spancillhill around 1870. Working in Boston for about two years, he went to the USA with the intention of bringing his sweetheart over and for them to be married when he had made enough money for the passage. "Johnny you're only jokin'...." a line from the current version, in the original, of course, reads... "Mike you're only jokin' " His sweetheart was "Matt the Rangers Daughter" and not Matt the Farmers daughter as in the popularised version. The Rangers house was visible from Michael Considine's house as was the Taylor Quigley's.

He stayed in Boston for two years or so before moving to California. He suffered from ill health for a long time and, knowing he hadn't long to live, he wrote the poem "Spancilhill" to send home in rememberence of his love and it was kept safe by his 6 year old nephew, John Considine.

Michael Considine died sometime in 1873. And it seems he go home somehow (I don't know yet whether it was dead or alive) as he is buried in Spancilhill garveyard, close to where Robbie has a little plot chosen. Robbie reckons there will be a mighty session in Heaven and Spancilhill when that day comes around (hopefully a long time from now).

In the late 1930's or early 40's, Robbie was in a neighbours house with some friends singing when someone suggested singing "Spancillhill". The woman of the house, Moira Keane, left the room and when she came back said, "If ye are going to sing that song ye might as well sing it right" and she gave Robbie the original song.

Some time later at another session in the parish Robbie was asked to sing "Spancilhill" when a gruff voice in the corner growled out "Don't sing that song". When asked "why not?" the voice barked back " 'Cos ye don't know it."

Robbie, however insisted he did and launched into the version he'd gotton from Moira Keane. After singing a few lines Robbie noticed the gruff man sitting up and paying attention. As Robbie progressed with the song the gruff man foostered more and more with his cap and became agitated. When the song ended, the gruff voice in the corner demanded "Where did ya get that song?". The gruff old man seemed both perturbed and pleased.

Robbie explained the source. Moira Keane was the gruff man's aunt and the gruff man was 76 year old John Considine, who had kept his uncle Mike's song safe for 70 years.

More in a couple of days.

'Till then, Slán.

Frank McGrath
Nenagh Singers Circle

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill?
From: McGrath
Date: 05-May-98 - 04:57 PM

This is the original version of "Spancilhill".

All the characters and places in this song are real. It is a song written by a 23 year old man in the full knownedge that he was mortally ill. He knew he would die far from home and far from his loved one whom he would never see again.

Many thanks to Robbie McMahon, Spancilhill, Co. Clare for keeping the song and it's stories alive and for sharing them with us.

SPANCILHILL

Last night as I lay dreaming, of the pleasant days gone by,
My mind being bent on rambling and to Erin's Isle I did fly.
I stepped on board a vision and sailed out with a will,
'Till I gladly came to anchor at the Cross of Spancilhill.

Enchanted by the novelty, delighted with the scenes,
Where in my early childhood, I often times have been.
I thought I heard a murmur, I think I hear it still,
'Tis that little stream of water at the Cross of Spancilhill.

And to amuse my fancy, I lay upon the ground,
Where all my school companions, in crowds assembled 'round.
Some have grown to manhood, while more their graves did fill,
Oh I thought we were all young again, at the Cross of Spancilhill.

It being on a Sabbath morning, I thought I heard a bell,
O'er hills and vallies sounded, in notes that seemed to tell,
That Father Dan was coming, his duty to fulfill,
At the parish church of Clooney, just one mile from Spancilhill.

And when our duty did commence, we all knelt down in prayer,
In hopes for to be ready, to climb the Golden Stair.
And when back home returning, we danced with right good will,
To Martin Moilens music, at the Cross of Spancilhill.

It being on the twenty third of June, the day before the fair,
Sure Erin's sons and daughters, they all assembled there.
The young, the old, the stout and the bold, they came to sport and kill,
What a curious combination, at the Fair of Spancilhill.

I went into my old home, as every stone can tell,
The old boreen was just the same, and the apple tree over the well,
I miss my sister Ellen, my brothers Pat and Bill,
Sure I only met my strange faces at my home in Spancilhill.

I called to see my neighbors, to hear what they might say,
The old were getting feeble, and the young ones turning grey.
I met with tailor Quigley, he's as brave as ever still,
Sure he always made my breeches when I lived in Spancilhill.

I paid a flying visit, to my first and only love,
She's as pure as any lilly, and as gentle as a dove.
She threw her arms around me, saying Mike I love you still,
She is Mack the Rangers daughter, the Pride of Spancilhill.

I thought I stooped to kiss her, as I did in days of yore,
Says she Mike you're only joking, as you often were before,
The cock crew on the roost again, he crew both loud and shrill,
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill.

But when my vision faded, the tears came in my eyes,
In hope to see that dear old spot, some day before I die.
May the Joyous King of Angels, His Choicest Blessings spill,
On that Glorious spot of Nature, the Cross of Spancilhill.

Michael Considine... born circa 1859 and died circa 1873

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill?
From: Alice
Date: 05-May-98 - 05:05 PM

Thank you, Frank. Yes, it brings tears.

alice

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,Kernow John
Date: 13 May 01 - 04:44 PM

Thanks for the shortened version Alice, a good idea.
Those of you who have faster machines, the original thread is worth a read.
But you will never believe the suspense that was caused as we waited for these instalments to appear from Frank.
This thread for me made Mudcat the greatest and to think it started from what today would be called BS. ie BS. can anyone tell me where Spancil Hill Is?
Regards KJ

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 May 01 - 09:33 PM

I believe that this is the finest thread that has ever been started on the Mudcat. There are many shining moments in our little village, but none like this. You are right, Kernow Jon. I remember waiting breathlessly for the next installment.

Mick

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Noreen
Date: 21 Aug 01 - 09:04 AM

To answer Joe's point added to the end of the over-long first thread, the sign saying Spancilhill 8 could have meant either miles (English miles or Irish miles...!) OR kilometres, depending on the age of the sign.

The old fingerpost type signs would be in miles, but the new type are in kilometres, as Ireland is much more Europe-friendly than England.

So- a straightforward answer, as you'd expect. :0)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 04:47 PM

I'm reviving this, the second part of "the finest thread that has ever been started on the Mudcat" (Big Mick), to head people off from posting to the first part.

By all means read the first part (the link is in my first post above), but please remember to come back to this thread if you want to add anything. Otherwise the first part will become too long to be accessed by some Mudcat visitors, and that would be a shame.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.Germany.
Date: 22 May 02 - 10:37 AM

During my time in Clare I lived on the Tulla Road only a few minutes from Spancil Hill, as one who has been Known to sing this song on occasion I can testify that no one can sing it remotely as good as Robbie, I had the pleasure of hearing him sing on many occasions and dspite his age he is still a wonderful singer and songwriter, also Robbie is a real gentleman, and I am proud to call him a friend. Best wishes to all at the Ennis Singers Club, and also to all in Nenagh, look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Pat.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Warsaw Ed
Date: 23 May 02 - 01:58 AM

Spancil-Hill A village noted for its horse-fairs,in the parish of Clooney, barony of Upper Bunratty, Co. CLARE, MUNSTER. IT STANDS ON THE ROAD FROM QUIN TO GORT, NEAR ITS INTERSECTION WITH THAT FROM ENNIS TO SCARRIFF, 4 3/4 miles north-north-west of Quin,and 3 3/4 north-east of Ennis. [ref www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/spancil-hill.htm]

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Warsaw Ed
Date: 23 May 02 - 02:03 AM

correction - should 3 3/4 miles north-north-west of Quin

Subject: RE: DTStudy: Spancil Hill
From: IanC
Date: 28 May 02 - 12:01 PM

Someone's got their timing wrong somewhere since, according th this edition of The Irish Independent (Jan 30th 2002) Robbie McMahon is around 75 at the moment. If so, he'd have been about 10 or 15 in the late '30s/early 40s. The article says he's been known as "Mr Spancil Hill" for about 40 years (i.e. since about 1960) which might put us nearer the mark. Any confirmation of the facts here?

Cheers!
Ian

Subject: RE: DTStudy: Spancil Hill
From: Alice
Date: 28 May 02 - 12:15 PM

Well, 15-year-olds do sing! Can someone ask Robbie?

Subject: RE: DTStudy: Spancil Hill
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 28 May 02 - 12:41 PM

Nothing strange about a young boy being known as a singer, at that time. I may well meet Robbie this weekend - not sure if I'll risk asking him his age!

The "Mr. Spancil Hill" tag would have come later - when the song, in shorter form, became well known during the folk revival.

Regards

Subject: RE: DTStudy: Spancil Hill
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 28 May 02 - 12:59 PM

I looked at the thread title and thought "I'll read it but I've nothing to add. I don't know the song" But., Alices 2nd post quotes an exchange rate for Irish pounds/US Dollars. Since the introduction of the Euro there is no Irish Pound, and the two currencies are close to parity. One pound sterling will get 1.52 Euros or 1.41 dollars making the exchange rate approx. 1.08 Euros = 1 dollar (US)
Nigel

Subject: RE: DTStudy: Spancil Hill
From: Alice
Date: 28 May 02 - 02:13 PM

Nigel, I was just quoting a really old thread message (before the Euro) written by Frank McGrath in 1998. If someone else wants to post the current price of Robbie's tape with him singing Spancilhill, that would be great.

Alice

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 May 02 - 02:08 PM

In the DTStudy thread on this song, IanC posted a link to this story from the Irish Independent. I think it's worth posting, but not for inclusion in the DTStudy.
-Joe Offer-

---

Wednesday January 30th 2002

LEG ENDARY balladeer Robbie McMahon, who for 40 years has been known as "Mr Spancil Hill", nearly raised the roof of his cowshed when he forgot where he had hidden an antique grenade.

The 75-year-old singer was in good spirits yesterday after an army bomb disposal squad was scrambled to his Co Clare farm.

The specialist unit safely removed a live hand-grenade and a stick of gelignite found by Robbie as he repaired the roof of the shed.

He admits hiding the hand-grenade there 20 years ago but then forgot where he had put it. But he said he can't fathom where the gelignite came from, although it may have belonged to his late father.

The unit carried out a controlled explosion which in the words of the great song itself, could be heard from "the parish church of Clooney, a mile from Spancil Hill".

A Defence Forces spokesman described the grenade as a Mills 36 type. The gelignite had deteriorated and was beginning to weep.

The alarm was raised after Robbie revealed his find to local Garda Sergeant Con Ryan, who called in the Explosives Ordnance Unit at Collins' Barracks in Cork.

Robbie told how the army triggered a blast that sent the soil of his top field soaring into the sky.

He said: "Two big van loads of them landed here today. We all went off to the big field. They dug a hole and put sand bags over it.

"I heard a bang and I leapt up. There was scrawbs seventy foot up in the air, by God."

The singer revealed how he and a relative had discovered two grenades in a nearby ditch 20 years ago.

"I went to put my grenade in a place where no-one could find it. But I couldn't remember where I put it," said Robbie.

The singer was "given" the song Spancil Hill by the nephew of its writer, Michael Considine.

Michael Mulqueen

© Irish Independent
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/ & http://www.unison.ie/

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 29 May 02 - 07:22 PM

Apologies if I've missed something here but. As far as I'm getting the tale, the original version was a poem (presumably no tune) and by the time Robbie MacMahon got hold of the original words, it was married to a tune and it seems already been popularised well enough for people to know there was a "wrong" version. Any suggesetions how the song got into circulation and, is the tune trad or does it have an author?

Jon

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 02 Jun 02 - 07:01 PM

I've just noticed (after all these years) that at the end of Frank McG's post, pasted in above from the first part of the thread, Frank says Michael Considine was born "circa 1859". I assume this is a typo and should have said "circa 1850", which would be consistent with the comment at the start of his post that the song was written by a 23-year-old.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Alice
Date: 02 Jun 02 - 07:55 PM

Yes, I pointed out that error in the original thread, too.
Alice

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 09:05 PM

WOnder if THIS is the Tailor Quigley?

Regards

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 09:11 PM

...and are THESE the Considines?

Regards

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Brakn
Date: 07 Jun 02 - 06:36 AM

I searched the San Francisco Call Newspaper Vital Records for the Years 1869-1891 and found one Michael Considine, who died in 1882 ... age 56.

The most heard version of the song that I know of was Dermot O'Brien's. I emailed him and asked if he had ever heard it set any other air. He hadn't though a couple of people have said to me that they knew it by another air.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 07 Jun 02 - 07:37 AM

I'd forgotten Dermot O'Brien, I'm sorry to say!

As of now, I can't pin down anything solid about the origin and age of the air.

Regards

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,Anna Burke
Date: 07 Jul 02 - 10:31 AM

Thank you for the wonderful information! I'm glad to see that 4 years later, this thread is still alive.

I noticed a post on the original thread mentioning a band from Massachusetts named Spancil Hill - it made me laugh, because that is my father & uncle's band! To correct information on that post, they were born in Belmullet, not Spancilhill, and they've lived in the states for a long time now. We've all been back to Ireland, though, and have stopped by The Cross at Spancil Hill in our travels to visit their namesake.

They've sung this song since they've been playing together, so I've heard it for the past 20 years or so. I never knew a whole lot about it, though, and will be passing this information on to them....along with the original lyrics!

Thanks again, Anna Burke

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 07 Jul 02 - 10:39 AM

Guest,Anna: if this interests you, you may wish to check the attempt to pull the disparate bits together @DTStudy Spancilhill

Nigel

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Brían
Date: 16 May 03 - 01:37 PM

I'd like to mention that at at thr RTE CEOLNET it's possible to hear a recording of Robbie McMahon performing SPANCIL HILL in Ennis in 1962 by using the search box, either "McMahon" for artist or "Spancil Hill" for the audio archive.

Brían

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Alice
Date: 20 May 03 - 11:01 AM

Cool. Thanks, Brían.

Alice

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: ossonflags
Date: 20 May 03 - 12:12 PM

I was bitten by a dog in spancill hill.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,Cass
Date: 23 May 03 - 07:02 AM

Hi, Well I'd love to know why everyone is so interested in Spancil Hill, I'm from Spancil Hill, Lived there all my life. Robbie is my neighbour and like the last person I also got bitten by a dog there.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From:
Date: 23 May 03 - 11:10 AM

It's because of the song (or songs, if you want) called Spancil Hill. The original may not be as well known as the newer version which is sung all over. It's a beautiful song.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 23 May 03 - 03:20 PM

If we're not careful, it'll be because of the dog!

Regards

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,cass
Date: 27 May 03 - 07:03 AM

I know its because of the song, but I suppose seeing as I've lived there all my life and heard the song over and over again till I was blue in the face, I just find it a little funny that people like it so much. And he was a big dog, really vicious looking.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Alice
Date: 27 May 03 - 01:07 PM

Cass, you should write a song about the Spancil Hill dog. Then we could start a thread about it ;-)

Alice

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: ossonflags
Date: 27 May 03 - 03:34 PM

No ,he/she was a little dog -a jack Russell - I think?
Very friendly to start with,let me stroke it and that then turned on me. Maybe it was my round.

Doesn't stop me singing the song though.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 May 03 - 06:01 AM

Did the "incident" happen anywhere near Duggan's Pub???

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,ossonflags
Date: 28 May 03 - 11:31 AM

Sounds familiar GUEST

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 03 - 08:22 AM

Ah now how did I know that???

Is anyone going to the fair this year??

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,NSC George Henderson
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 07:22 AM

Just to let people know that the annual fair of Spancil Hill is taking please today, 23rd June 2003

George Henderson

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,a spancilhill person
Date: 28 Jun 03 - 12:48 PM

hi first of all i would like 2 say that spancilhill is all 1 word right. i myself is from spancilhill and its a cool place i have been there all my life.so if any1 here yhinks that they know about spancilhill ye dont ye bunch of thick tourists

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,me again
Date: 28 Jun 03 - 12:55 PM

robbie doesnt make up spancilhill he is only a singer who sing the ya he is great 1 of our fine singers but there is more 2 spancilhill. we have a great history 2.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: ard mhacha
Date: 28 Jun 03 - 02:11 PM

I have been to County Clare and Spancil a few times on my travels and I always met and enjoyed the company of the locals,you seemed to be an exception.
If you care to read this Thread you will find that there is very little, if any, criticism of Spancil Hill, and remember tourism is your bread and butter. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Fiolar
Date: 29 Jun 03 - 05:33 AM

Folks may be interested to know that according to the latest census figures the population of Spancil Hill has increased by 14.2% since 1996. Figures are as follows:
Spancehill (part) 1996 = 431; 2002 = 492; Males = 264; Females = 228.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: dulcimer
Date: 29 Jun 03 - 07:44 AM

Robbie is still going strong. Met and heard him earlier this month at the Ennis Singing Club meeting. Very warm, friendly person who talks about much more than Spancil Hill

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,JoeFirMont
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 10:22 AM

I'm from County Antrim in the north of Ireland and the song has long been a favourite of mine. My mother used to quote lines of the poem to me when I was a child. She said that it reminded her of her own hometown in County Louth. I always wondered about the origin of the song and the whereabouts of Spancilhill. Thanks to your thread I have been enlightened. I plan to visit the area as a tourist in the summer of 2004.

Earlier I read that the name Spancil Hill came from the spancilling or tying of two of the legs of an animal together with a short rope. This is true. The technique was used on sheep and goats to keep them from breaking out of one's fields into a neighbour's pasture. In rural Ireland land is so jealously guarded that much quarrelling between neighbours and wrangling in court has been caused by straying animals. The attitude is that 'your sheep are not going to get fat on my grass.'

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,George Henderson
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 06:22 AM

I have pleasure in reviving this magnificent thread. Well, this is the first Friday and Robbie will be chairing his usual singing night in his own inimitable way tonight.

Always worth a visit. It is really unique but to experinece it you must visit.

Duggans pub, Spancil Hill Co Clare. 9 to 9.30 pm tonight.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 02:16 PM

Spancil Hill Cross


https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Spancil+Hill+Cross+(eastbound)/@52.869603,-8.899572,682m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x485b6dec17124361:0x2dfcfc2f73da18d1https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Spancil+Hill+Cross+(eastbound)/@52.869603,-8.899572,682m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x485b6dec17124361:0x2dfcfc2f73da18d1

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: GUEST,John Condon
Date: 06 Dec 23 - 05:51 PM

Heading out of 2023 and into 2024, Spancilhill is still sung as the last song at the end of Robbie's First Friday singing session every month.

Robbie McMahon died on December 13th, 2012. His spirit lives on in our monthly singing session. I had the pleasure of singing his song The Red Cross Social at our session on Friday last, December 1st.

The singing session was started by Robbie in January 2002 in Duggan's Pub in Spancilhill. Sadly Mike Duggan's Pub did not reopen after Covid. During the Covid years we sang online with some monthly but mostly bi-monthly wonderful sessions.

We now meet every first Friday in Cnoc Na Gaoithe, a wonderful venue in Tulla, Co. Clare.

George Henderson and Mick Scanlan who were at the first session in January 2002 still regularly join us.

If anyone is ever around at the start of a month do drop in. We averaged 26 singers a month during 2023.

Subject: RE: Where is Spancil Hill (continued)?
From: Thompson
Date: 07 Dec 23 - 05:51 AM

If he died in Ireland… well, I can only find one registered death of a Michael Considine who died then; he died in January 1974 of anthrax at the age of 57 in Kilrush Workhouse.