Kenny, Laurence (Lar)

Date of Birth: 18th April 1929

Place of Birth: Ballycarney, Ferns, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 29th June 2009

Summary: Lar Kenny was born in Ballycarney P.O., his mother was a postmistress and his father had been captain of an IRA flying column. Ballycarney was a “happy little village” and the Slaney river was central to young Lar – he swam in it, poached fish from it, and almost drowned in it. After working at various jobs from houseboy to beachguard Lar returned to Ballycarney and became a ‘gilly’ for the owners of Clobemon Hall. He has great memories of showing the rich and famous how to enjoy a day’s fishing on the Slaney. His very close relationship with his employers meant he was regarded more as friend than a member of staff.