Iron implements

 

Iron Implements

Dr Christy Cunniffe

Clonfert

This series of old iron implements were all common objects used by the Larkin family in Clonfert Butson. Today they may be regarded as bits of rusting iron. However each one played an important role. In my opinion the most important in the context of a bog farm is the fork-like object known as a drag with the bent tines at the bottom of the photograph. The bog gardens of Clonfert Callows were subdivided with small drains and shores to maintain them in a usable state. Otherwise they would revert or go back to being wet bogland. Regular upkeep of the drains was undertaken by means of the drag. It was used in the manner of a garden rake but had longer tines and a long handle.