2 day Straw thatching event

5 Trainees being tutored by James Kilpatrick
A short video tour
Starting on individual strokes
The Group

From left to right: Shaun McGinty, James Kilpatrick, Francis Boyle, Fidelma Toland, John Sweeney, Joseph Sweeney. Sean Cunningham also attended.

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Instruction

James Kilpatrick keeps a watchful eye and offers a word of encouragement to the lads on the scaffold

Day 2
Sunday

Francis Boyle joins the group on day 2, with James instructing.

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On the other scaffold

The work begins with trainees combining to hold, place, and fix the rows of straw onto the roof.

Starting on individual strokes
Individual Strokes

Nobody can say to these trainees "Ah, he never did a stroke in his life", for each one has worked on a strip of thatch, also known as a stroke (stráice in Irish)!

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Instruction

James Kilpatrick keeps a watchful eye and offers a word of encouragement to the lads on the scaffold

Joining the strokes
Day 2

The two strokes were joined together on the 2nd day, to complete a very creditable section of roof. James demonstrates

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Up Top

The strokes are nearing completion. The row is being held temporarily in place with willow scollops until the 6mm steel fixes it finally.

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Ladders

Working off ladders is a very necessary skill to learn. Kneepads provide some comfort. In the auld days a bag of straw was knelt on

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Stroke

Before scaffolding, the work was mainly done off a long ladder footed on the ground. How far over the thatcher could reach while on the ladder determined the width of the stroke

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End of the day

2 sections completed, again, a very good effort from the trainees

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Finishing

The modern aluminium legget is used to smooth and level the straw facing, leaving a neat finish. Great work for first-timers.

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Inspection

James inspects the work, and reviews their techniques, as the lads get a well earned rest

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Tutor

Advising, demonstrating, encouraging, our Tutors build the trainees confidence and ability, with our practise roofs allowing a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. 

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