"My Own Personal Recollections"
Continued

In some panic I tied the broken ends together but found this a difficult task because of the configuration of the leather strands.   Eventually granny emerged and I bundled her unceremoniously into the trap and set off for home. 
The pony took off at a gallop and my efforts to slow him resulted in the knot in the reins undoing. 
Granny, praying as furiously as the pony galloped, clung to the side of the trap as the pony continued his wild passage down the main street of Bally'duff and set his own unerring course for home where the prospect of his evening oats was overwhelming.  We galloped - granny and I in great trepidation - all of the two miles to home and to my amazement the pony steered an impeccable course right down the narrow approach lane to the farmhouse - only stopping at the final field gate. My fear of disaster was only exceeded by my concern about how Uncle Harry would react  - he was clearly alarmed and concerned by the broken leather reins but contented himself with the remark "I knew you were too young for this" - my humiliation was complete.

Mike Callery--2003

Changing Face of Lisdonish Farm
After her husband Harry's death Mary's eldest son Michael, (my firsr cousin), who inherited the farm, decided to move away from the  back breaking  arable and dairy farming  tradition of  his ancestors.  He built a new house nearby, and runs his own  electrical business.  The once farmed fields are now planted with trees of many varieties, an attractive  habitat for mammals and  birds, including  a sprinkling of  reared pheasants. On a recent visit Bertie, my  brother, and I  greatly enjoyed  walking  Mary's terriers  down to the  fast running stream  in the valley behind the farm house, bringing back happy memories of  childhood rambles through corn, potato and hayfields, where corncrakes could often be heard.

Crosserlough Church below was the scene of my much revered Auntie Mary Ellen Callery's funeral on 22nd June 2005.  It is also the final resting place of Mary's husband Harry Callery, who inherited the Lisdonish farm from my grandfather Mick Callery. Grandan Mick and Mick's  brother John, who farmed at Derrylurgan, another neighbouring townland, is also commemorated in the Crosserlough graveyard.
Happy memories of my school holidays include the Sunday visit to mass at the

parish Church at Crosserlough, a few miles from my grandparents home in Lisdonish .  The highlight for me was  the journey by Harry's pony and trap, particularly when I was allowed to hold the reins of the trotting horse and show off to the other locals making their way on bikes and in many cases on Shank's pony.

Above--Crosserlough  Graveyard

The final resting place of my grandparents, Mary Anne (McCabe) and Michael (Mick) Callery.

Right-The gravestone of  my Uncle Harry Callery in Crosserlough Church graveyard, and also the resting place of  his wife my Auntie Mary.

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