Michael, My dad and his brother lived in rural Kilkenny at that time, and it was hinted that they more or less had to emigrate because pf reasons political. Of course neither one ever talked about it, at least not to us younguns. Carlow not being very far away, I enjoy your glimpses into history. (I found out from Tom Lyng's great book "Castlecomer Connections", Appendix 1, that they were both in the North Kilkenny battalion, I.R.A. Volunteers, A Co., the Swan, residence Cloneen, in 1922.) It certainly brings the story more to life. Thanks for posting your snippets. Jack Langton