Joe Mahon visits the town of Ballybay in County Mongahan.
After a brief overview of the town's natural setting and history Joe talks by a
lakeside to Peadar Murnane, a local historian, who details how the town came
into being thank to its location. He also talks about the area's connection to
the growing of flax for the linen trade and mass emigration to America when
that industry started to go downhill.
George Montgomery tells Joe how he can remember flax
still being grown and harvested in the area when he was young. John Connolly
takes Joe around his fish farm where he has made a success in providing perch
for the continental market. Kieran McQuaid then treats Joe to poached perch in
his restuarant.
Joe tells the story
of Crazy Jane, a famous race horse from the area and of the town's connection
to horse fairs before visiting a stud farm for a tour round the stallions by
Gladys McArdle. Local vet Clare Percy shows Joe an ultrasound scan of a young foal.
Paul Flynn talks to Joe beside the wetland centre about its educational
benefits for young people. Greta McCarron shows Joe a newt and some frog
tadpoles.