TG4 - Turf Cutting

Original Title: Fear an Asail

In the past, Irish people heated their homes and cooked their food using turf (or peat) taken from the bog as fuel. Turf was cut from the bog by hand, using a two-sided spade called a sleán. Entire families often helped to save the turf on the bog. Turf cutting is now prohibited in most bogs in Ireland under new legislation to protect the ecological make up of the bogs. However, in some parts in Ireland, turf cutting is still permitted and practiced by the old time method by hand. Seán Ó Cuinn from Kerry in the south West of Ireland still cuts turf on the hill. In order to protect the beautiful flora, fauna and life on the hill, Seán brings his donkey, Billy to transport the turf back down the hill to his home.

Reportage produced by TG4 within CIRCOM Regional Citizenship Project supported by European Parliament, third round, theme "Climate change"

#circomregional
Web: www.circom-regional.eu
FB:   / circomregional  
Twitter:   / circomregional