CATHAL McENTEE, KELLS, BORN 1951

Cathal McEntee was born on New Market Street, Kells. He works from his ancestral home there where the McEntee family has run a bar, grocery and undertaking business since 1899. In this recording Cathal discusses his schooldays, the town of Kells in the 1960s and 70s, the old coffin-making shed at the rear of his family’s premises during his father’s time. Following his father’s death, he returned to Kells to run the family business, having previously spent some time working as a newspaper compositor. He discusses the changes which have come about in the undertaking business and he talks about some of the more memorable burials which took place in the area over the years.