Noreen Gouldings interviews...

Noreen Goulding conducted an interview with Ruby Mc Cloy (née McElhinney) as part of a course in Irish Folklore that she did with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Gaoth Dobhair in 2009. It was a course accredited by University College, Galway at the time. Noreen has praised Ruby for her wonderful memories of a time long gone and her ability to recall same with such accuracy, loyalty and regard for those who have gone before us. Ruby is as hale and hearty today living at her home oustide Ramelton. Noreen writes “Ruby McCloy and her family (the McElhineys) were responsible for the operation of the Mulroy ferryboat for many years. This ferry operated between Rawros, (on the Ros Goill peninsula) and Leatbeag (on the Fanad peninsula). The interview is particularly relevant as a new landbridge has been constructed across Mulroy Bay at the location where the ferry used to operate. The interview is an informal conversation with Ruby at her welcoming home. I would like to acknowledge the generosity of Ruby in giving her time and sharing her knowledge and experience with me so freely. I would also like to place on record her wonderful home baking skills which were much appreciated! Ruby told me that five generations of the McElhiney family had been involved in the operation of the Mulroy ferryboat. The family lived on the Estate of Lord Leitrim, or the Manorvaughan Estate as it was known in the locality. The Estate is located about 3 miles east of the village of Carrigart, and, to this day, contains many estate houses, where tenants and those working on the Estate lived. Some of these houses are now derelict, but even so, one can see that they were typical of what might be called an estate house. Some of the houses are still occupied.