For over
250 years farmers all around Ireland grew Irish flax and the world famous
Irish linen label became a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
By the
end of the 1950's the man-made fibre industry began to spell
the end of the flax growing and by the end of that decade it
had failed to exist completely in this area.
This year
Tom Stewart and his neighbours from Gortnamoyagh, outside
Garvagh, men with a keen interest in the past, decided to
grow 2 and a half acres of the famous flax. This DVD film
follows Tom's progress and highlights his many struggles
mainly with the weather.
As well
as the nostalgic memories which this film should bring back
we also show a side which many of the farmers never saw.
As well as the growing, pulling, stooking, dam
retting and drying, we also follow the crop through
scutching, spinning, weaving, beetling, bleaching
until after being handled 27 times the Gortnamoyagh
flax is transferred into a beautiful although
expensive Irish Linen Tablecloth.
This DVD Days Of Hunger is now available
to buy online or by contacting John Thompson
Click here to buy now
Tel: 028 295 58688
