‘Father’ of political dynasty in his proper place

IN response to your feature article headlined ‘Tracing The Past’ (June 10) , I wish to point out that Patrick J Lenihan, grandfather of Mary O’Rourke TD and great-grandfather of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, born in Kilfenora, Co Clare, was principal of a school in Gortown, Kilshanny — not Lickeen, Kilfenora, as reported.

There was no school at Lickeen.

There was, however, a teacher’s residence — still there and privately owned.

Gortown NS was built in 1893 on lands jointly donated by my grandfather, Michael O’Leary, and our good neighbours, the Clancy family. Mr Lenihan taught members of both families who went to school through the fields, often barefoot, as I did myself in the 1950s.

The school is still there, now in private ownership, plaque still on the wall. So too are the descendants of the Clancys and the O’Learys.

From another proud descendant...

Willie O’Leary

Kilmacoom

Doneraile

Co Cork