Threshing at Barnaboy, Abbey, Loughrea in the 1970s

Before the arrival of the combine harvester, threshing day was a major event on farms at harvest time. It was a case of all hands on deck with neighbours arriving to lend their help when threshing day arrived. Thanks to Ulick Burke of Eaglehill we have photographic evidence of a threshing day in Barnaboy, Abbey in the 1970s which took place on J J Craughwell’s land. J J was himself the owner of the threshing machine used and like his uncle Paddy did before him, J J carried out all the threshing for farmers in the area. J J’s arrival on someone’s farm was the signal to prepare for a busy and enjoyable day ahead.

Pat Roche bringing in the stacks of corn in preparation for threshing

Threshing in progress, with Pat Roche pitching sheaves to J J Craughwell and his helper on top

All working hard and sacks of grain are filling fast

P J Pierce and Fintan Mullins taking out the straw

Ulick Burke pitching sheaves of corn to the men on top of mill, with J J and Francis Craughwell taking more sacks for the grain from J J’s red Hillman car