Noel McNamara, Sixmilebridge formally Creevagh, Quin

Ann McNamara  and Michael Daffy  had the pleasure of interviewing Noel McNamara, born and reared in Creevagh, Quin.

In this first clip, Noel is talking about his ancestors who were stone masons and provides some insight on their working life.

In this second clip Noel speaks fondly about his friend and neighbour the eccentric Lizzie Pewter, a character well known in the county of Clare.

In this this third clip Noel describes Working on the farm in his younger days, the excitement of doing the threshing and going to bog.

In this clip Noel shares his memories of school and confirmation.

In this clip we hear how Noel’s hurling career was short-lived by an accident that landed him in Croom hospital the year Limerick won the all Ireland in 1973. He has fond memories of some of the Limerick winning team visiting an injured team mate and bringing in the All Ireland cup and a bottle of whiskey to celebrate.

We may be surprised to hear that Quin attracted many of the top head lining  bands in the country as Noel describes socialising in Quin and Ennis back in the day.

In this clip Noel describes what it was like working on the buildings with his father, brothers and Tom O’Loughlin. Later, his expertise for building stone fireplaces led to a working holiday to Mahopac, New York to build a fireplace for a client who had admired one he had built in a hotel in Limerick.

In this final clip Noel and Michael share fun memories of the time spent acting as part of The Spancilhill and Tulla drama society and Noel remarks on his fondness for the Clooney Quin parish.

Noel McNamara and Kevin Dillon dressed up as The Mother (Noel) and Father of the Groom at the “Mock Wedding” in Tulla which was held in 2011 as a fundraiser for The Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre

Noel McNamara and Kevin Dillon dressed up as The Mother (Noel) and Father of the Groom travelling in style at the Mock Wedding in Tulla 

Noel with his wife Catherine and grandson

Noel McNamara and Kevin Dillon dressed up as The Mother (Noel) and Father of the Groom travelling in style at the Mock Wedding in Tulla

Noel McNamara’s Grandfather and Granduncles who were all stonemasons. L to R Thomas, John, Patrick and James McNamara

Noel on his Wedding day with his wife Catherine