Stories of Bord na Mona
Welcome to the "Stories of Bord na Móna" podcast, an LOETB Community Education Production, where we share the stories and experiences of those who dedicated their working lives to this iconic Irish company. Bord na Móna has been an integral part of the Irish landscape for decades, providing jobs, energy and fuel to the nation. In this podcast, we hear from retired employees who have a wealth of memories and stories to share about their time working with the company.Our guests reminisce about their experiences with Bord na Móna, from the hard work in the bogs to the camaraderie and friendships forged through the years. They share stories of the opportunities and challenges they faced, both professionally and personally. We also delve into the impact that working for Bord na Móna had on their lives outside of work - from sport and recreation to family life and beyond. Through their voices, we gain a unique insight into the culture and community that was created through this shared experience of working for Bord na Móna. Join us as we listen to the Retired Voices of Bord na Móna and celebrate the rich history of this important company and the people who made it what it is today.
Stories of Bord na Mona
Pat Dooley retired Bord na Mona employee shares some fascinating stories from his time working with the company.
In this episode we hear from Pat Dooley, as shares his experiences and insights about working the bogs over the years. He shares some fascinating stories, such as the discovery of bog butter preserved in the bog, the introduction of new machinery and one of the hazards of working on the bog – the risk of machinery sinking. We hear how machinery can sink up to 15 feet overnight, making it difficult for workers to retrieve them.
Pat says working on the bog at night time can be a daunting task, when you're working in the dark. He laughs as he tells of the ghost stories told during tea break about the strange occurrences that happen in the bog at night. The glowing lights seen hovering above the bog that have been the subject of many superstitions and ghost stories over the years. The phenomenon is the appearance of will-o'-the-wisps and jack-o-lanterns, that many believed were the work of mischievous spirits, leading unsuspecting workers off the safety of the paths and into the treacherous bog waters. However Pat explains, these lights were simply caused by the combustion of gases escaping from the bog, reacting with oxygen in the air.
Join Pat for an informative and entertaining journey into the world of working on the Bord na Móna bogs.
This podcast is brought to you by LOETB Community Education Service