RELIGION

In the life of the individual, the family and the community of the 'thirties religious beliefs were a powerful motivation. There was a total observance of external participation in public worship. Honesty and all the other virtues relating to human relations were observed even where such demanded sacrifice. Their deep awareness of eternity made the people conform to a high spiritual standard and enable them to endure much hardship. Whether all fully accepted intellectually what was specified in matters of belief and morals is not clear. However, the community pressure was strong enough to ensure external acceptance and thus produced a very high standard in general.

The moral level was, in consequence, of a high standard, illegitimacy was very rare and crimes such as theft and burglary were unknown. It must be admitted, however, that the community pressure was so strong that cases involving sexual aberrations of all kinds were kept a close secret. Each townland was jealous of its good name and so zealous in safeguarding it that sealed lips were presented in many cases of crime to civil and ecclesiastical authority.

The clergyman held a high place in the community an his word was often law in matters far removed from his field. However, while there was profound respect there was not a blind acceptance. In matters of politics many refused to be influenced in any way by the clergy. This took place without in any way impairing their loyalty to the Church or respect for its ministers.

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