Regatta Day, Roscahill

Story
Given the amount of rainfall in Ireland, bogs are generally quite wet and dangerous to traverse. In this scene, a bog face has been recently cut. Its damp sods of turf are tossed upon the bank to begin the drying process. Farmers will then stack the pieces to allow more air to flow through the turf. Once dry enough, the peat is stacked in ever larger mounds and eventually into an enormous reek. Turf reeks are frequently positioned near a bog path to allow easy access for the horse and cart that bring the fuel home.
Location
Clew Bay, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Awaiting the Start: Carrowmore Horse Races

Story
Before the horse races start on the strand at Carrowmore, spectators assemble and chat in groups. Traditional horse races would take place during low tide hours. They were held then so the horses had a wider flat stretch of sand upon which to run. The Carrowmore Races took place on Wednesdays so more people could attend the festivities as midweek was the half-day in the area when banks, stores and businesses were closed.
Location
Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
Date
1975
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Who’s in the Lead?

Story
Local residents are pictured watching the annual Clare Island regatta. In the distance, West Coast hooker boats (an húicéiri) compete in a heated race. Local to the Connemara coastline, hookers were used around Clew Bay and Achill to transport goods and people. Despite near extinction by 1960, there has been a recent resurgence in constructing these old-fashioned sailboats. Now they are used primarily for pleasure, sport and to preserve traditional boat building techniques.
Location
Clare Island Regatta, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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