This month’s blog post focuses on Coachford and environs in November 1919. What was going on locally a century ago? The Irish Examiner (then the Cork Examiner) gives an idea:

• Up for sale by Mrs F. Leader of Classas, Coachford were some white leghorn cockerels, ‘marked’ by the Department. She was Agnes Leader, wife of Francis Leader. They were the grandparents of Miss Gwendoline Jellett of Classas, who died in 1985.
• No cases were listed for hearing at the Petty Sessions, Coachford courthouse on 5th November. A calm or perhaps a lull, before the storm of the War of Independence would engulf the locality and country.
• Aghabullogue Coursing Club were due to meet at Coachford Railway Station on Sunday 16 November at 12.15pm. The railway and station would continue to operate for a further fifteen years, before they both closed for good.
• T.T.’s Flour and Grain Mills, Coachford were devoting Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to the public, with special attention given to the grinding and dressing of flour. ‘The best results obtained’ was the promise. This of course was T.T. O’Callaghan’s, which added to the local economy and provided milling services and employment for decades.
• Coachford Agricultural Society held their AGM, with Mr. T. Sheehan presiding. A resolution was passed expressing disapproval of the unsatisfactory state of the postal service in Coachford and district. Sympathies were passed to Stephen O’Mahony (principal of Clontead Boys’ School) on the death of his wife Kate (principal of Clontead Girls’ School). Condolences were given to the relatives of former local priest, Rev. J. Nagle.
• The Manchester Martyrs commemoration in Cork was proclaimed by the military authorities, but still saw some activity. Wreaths were laid at the National Monument, Grand Parade and later in other places including Blarney, Donoughmore and Coachford in mid-Cork.
• Jerh. J. Cronin & Son Auctioneers, Macroom were instructed to hold an auction on the property of Timothy Cronin of Forrest, Coachford on Wednesday 26 November at 12 noon. Under the hammer were to go twenty-eight heifers; six bullocks; two colts; a pony cob; a roan cob engaged to plough and mow; and a Ransom’s chill plough.