My name is Finola Sear, nee Raftery. My grandfather was Thomas O'Grady, my mother Mary O'Grady.
Thomas O'Grady was born 21 Feb 1897, he was the youngest of all the O'Grady's. He was born in Derrentighe, Castlerea.
In Dec 1924 Thomas sailed on board the 'Baltic', as his sisters did before him, to America. His sponsor was his sister, Mary Ellen (Nelly). He stayed with Mary Ellen and then with his brother Martin.
Did my grandfather leave for a better life? Or because his mother Mariah was worried? At that time the Black and Tans were active, the bullet marks on the side of the homestead are still visible today!
I recall a tattoo that grandfather had on his lower arm, it was very roughly done and had shrunk over time with his skin, I know it was part of a history that was important to him and he was proud of.
Grandfather married in Yonkers, New York. My mother, Mary, was born there in 1928.
His father back in Castlerea got ill, grandfather went back to look after his parents. My mother was around 7 or 8yrs old. As a family we questioned: why him? We do know he was called 'The Gift' by Mariah; she was older when she had him and he was spoilt. He had been educated, a luxury that the others did not receive. He won a place at Trinity College Dublin, for the priesthood but they could not afford to send him.
They stayed at the homestead until the late 1940s when my mother left for England. Grandfather and grandmother followed. They all then lived in Manchester.
My father died when I was young so grandfather was my father. He taught me to read and write, my love of poetry came from him and my mother. His caring hands that held me when I was sick, the laughs we would have together. He was strict and had his routine.....every morning splash your face with cold water!! ... was one of them. I do that till this day. He played the accordion, we played records, Irish of course, every Sat. night ... what a treat. I remember his face, the words of the songs taking him back home. I listen to those same songs today and they bring me back to him. He visited Ireland a fair few times but I cannot tell you the last time he visited.
I always felt that grandfather never fulfilled his potential of what he could have been and my mother the same, they had the brains but not the means. I do not know much about my cousins lives across the pond? Ours was not an easy one, but we had the chance to come out of it ....grandfather's chance had long passed.....and that always gives me a heavy heart. They could have sold the place in Castlerea so many times, what would that money have meant to them God only knows.
When I look back this was the happiest childhood anyone could have been blessed with. To be raised by Thomas O'Grady, to have his blood run through me gives me great pride.
If ever I was asked 'Who was Tommy O'Grady?" I would recall a memory of him from a neighbour.
Grandfather was going into town, Castlerea, in the cart. He had some chickens to sell, the ground was solid ice. He got down from the cart and his feet went from under him. He got straight back up and did not flinch.
Thomas O'Grady died 18 Jan. 1982 and when he left this world he took a piece of my soul with him. He was and still remains the biggest influence in my life. He was the spring board for the person I am today and I hope that I have done him proud.
All the O'Grady's were a rare breed, they made sacrifices, suffered loss, poverty, hunger, as many people of the time did. I hope we can rebuild what is left of the place and bring back the laughter and the love that the walls still hold and above all ... the life.
They have left us, all the jewel in the crown, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Front: myself (Finola) and grandfather Thomas O'Grady