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Hello from Australia...if anyone is watching :)

My father - Cornelius FitzGerald grew up in a small cottage in a country lane in Rathanker with his two brothers Pat & Jim and Jackie. All brothers except Jackie moved to England before the war, sadly all deceased Jim & Pat in late 60's and my dad Con' in Feb 1987.

As a young boy in the 1950's we woud travel every summer holiday to Rathanker...ride an old pony at the farm down the road...walk into Rochestown & back...sometimes catch a bus into Cork or stay there in a B&B...stay up late at night by candlelight and listen to stories about the banshee.

Its almost 60 years since then...and having spent most of my life in Australia its all very fuzzy now. But I do remember the old cottage...I wonder if still there or taken over by modern development...would love to pick out on a map/google earth...it seems there are still plenty of fields.

Does anyone know the area?

FrancisFitzGerald

Saturday 4th Oct 2014, 02:09PM

Message Board Replies

  • There's only really the one road running through Rathanker townland, and it doen't look like there has been very much development. Might be worth 'driving' up and down the road to see if anything looks familiar - see : Rathanker Townland, Monkstown Civil Parish, Co. Cork  (google street view)

    Shane Wilson, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Saturday 4th Oct 2014, 04:53PM

  • Looking at the map...can't remember which way we walked...I seem to remember the walk was downhill, perhaps to Monkstown and not Rochestown..around 6-7 miles/km?...it certainly felt that way when walking back home! When I get back to see Ireland, will drive around and havea good look :)

     

    FrancisFitzGerald

    Monday 6th Oct 2014, 08:47AM

  • Hi Francis,

    I am Mary one of Jackie's daughters, still living in Rathanker. My mother Betty still owns the cottage.

    We have many happy memories of your mom and dad and Kathleen coming to Ireland for their holidays.

    A neighbour pointed out this message to me. I hope all is well with you and your family and that you receive this message.

    Regards, Mary Shiels

     

    Mary

    Saturday 9th Nov 2019, 11:57AM

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