Photo: Frank Tubridy
As I was driving from Waterford to Kilkenny along the motorway last evening, this photograph that my father took around 1960 kept flashing into my mind.
June is the time when there are all the signs of hay-making in Ireland and I couldn’t but think how much the country has changed over the last 50 years in terms of modern technology and infrastructure.
Yes, it’s great to be able to get from Waterford to Kilkenny in about 30 minutes now but part of me misses travelling through all the beautiful and interesting villages along the way ~ Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Knocktopher, Stonyford …..
Modern machinery has also changed the face of farming practices and the very landscape itself.
I’m sure most would agree that what we are looking at is ‘progress’ but it seems that all progress comes at a price.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Ah ‘The Thrashing’ as my Dad pronounced it. Another world ago.
Hi Roy, how many worlds, I wonder?
I`m frequently nostalgic for Ireland of the 70s. Until I start thinking about women`s rights, Instant Whip, and footing turf.
Yep, I`m glad I live in the 21st century and yet am old enough to know what we`ve left behind.
RH, seems like we’re in the same boat!
I’m just wondering what’s replaced Instant Whip ~ high cholesterol or ….?
Rush! Rush! Rush! We in the United States of America have I believe paid a terrible price in the name of progress.
Hi Dennis, great to hear from you but you sound rather despondent about ‘progress’ and the price paid in the US in its name. I hope that Ireland doesn’t take a course that leads to such ‘regret’ or ‘misgiving,’ if those are the correct interpretation of what you say?