Cuimhneamh an Chláir, a group dedicated to collecting and safeguarding the oral history and folklore of Co. Clare, will present ‘Memories of Animal Health Care from Co. Clare’ in Ennis on March 12th.
The talk will be delivered by John Flaherty is a dry-stock farmer from Kilflynn in county Kerry. He holds a PhD in History from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
His thesis explored the evolution of Irish veterinary practice, especially with regards to cattle practice, over the course of some 250 years. The study considered the main factors that helped with the veterinary profession’s development and also considered the role of traditional practitioners in the care of farm animals, comparing their proficiency with that of the contemporary veterinary surgeon.
As part of this work he recorded interviews with Clare farmers and vets across the entirety of Co. Clare.
Dr Flaherty’s talk on ‘Memories of Animal Health Care from Co. Clare’, is based on these interviews. His talk will be illustrated by the voices of these farmers and vets from his recordings.
Dr. Flaherty has donated this important collection of Clare farming and animal health lore to Cuimhneamh an Chláir.
For more information contact Paula Carroll. Project Manager, paula@clarememories.ie
Supported by the The Heritage Council and Clare Co. Council.