THE FAMILY

The father concerned himself chiefly with the tilling and management of the farm. His field of activity was the "outside"., while within the house the mother was undisputed queen. Endless patience, careful planning and a good measure of foresight were all essential to ensure that a growing family had sufficient food and adequate clothing. At the same time, to present an appearance of modest prosperity in accordance with the norm of the age was vital for the status of the family. Money desperately required for food and/or clothing was often used to pay offerings at funerals or the priests' stipend. It was considered better to go hungry or barefoot than default where failure meant loss of face. "Keeping up with the Jones" had its impact here too.

Some poet sprung from the heart of such a community as existed in Inis Eoghain in those days has yet to express in a full and fitting manner the work of the Irish mother placed in such an age, in such a time, in such a society. If he records rightly he will tell a tale of unselfish devotion, of hard, unceasing toil, of altruism, of the highest order and of heroic patience in the midst of privations and frustrations.

The children were born into an atmosphere of high spiritual standards and of security. As families were large there was little of luxury, but affection and love made an adequate compensation. From their earliest years the children were taught the discipline of hard work. Each child, whether male or female, made its contribution to the farm work in accordance with seasonal demands.

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