Alan Counihan A Field Name Research ... - Townlands Project

1. A Case History
CHAPTER FIVE
THE SURVEY
1. A Case History
2. In the Field
Perhaps the best way to demonstrate a survey procedure is to
document a typical case history from the Townlands Project. In
March 2010, having received their phone number from
neighbours whose fields I had just surveyed, I called ahead to
make an appointment with a farm family to ask if they were
interested in participating in the survey themselves. On hearing
that they would gladly collaborate I made my way down to the
farm that afternoon.
Being a resident of a neighbouring townland my car was quickly
recognized when it rattled into their yard and there was an easy
welcome followed by a long conversation on local matters. This
is one of the great advantages of local communities carrying out
their own surveys. The advantage can be heightened for a
“blow-in” to any community as one can travel from house to
house without any historical baggage.
It was not long before we were sitting at the kitchen table and
both P. and C. were poring over a copy of the 6'' Record Place
map of their townland. The first thing we did was to mark the
boundaries of their holding.
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