Why do so many people from the East Kerry & North Cork area known as Sliabh Luachra live long lives?
American pathologist Dr Albert Casey of Birmingham, Alabama collected genealogical records from the Sliabh Luachra area of Munster, publishing them in a 16-volume collection called, ‘O’Kief, Coshe Mang, Slieve Lougher and the Upper Blackwater’. This mass of information was compiled by almost 50 researchers including Mattherw Daly.
Sliabh Luachra lies on the borders of counties Cork, Kerry and Limerick, and is bounded to the south by the River Blackwater. Dr Albert Casey noted that the people from this tiny community have a longer lifespan than average with,
"Very many who are edging on the hundred and are still leading ordinary active lives."
This longevity is in spite a diet of the very things scientists warn are not too good in excess. Matthew Daly does not believe anyone in Sliabh Luachra is concerned about a balanced diet or their cholesterol levels.
They eat the food that is produced here, milk, butter, eggs and bacon and they seem to thrive well on it.
The research undertaken by Dr Albert Casey demonstrates,
The food we eat here, and which gives us long lives, sends Americans to early graves.
Matthew Daly grants this longevity could be down to physical makeup rather than diet.
Dan Horan from the village of Knocknagree in north west County Cork is 71 years old and one of the younger members of the community. Once resident in America, he returned to Ireland for health reasons. He believes his condition improved due to the lack of pollution, less tension, the freedom, calmness and quiet that comes with country living and a
"Better diet in Ireland as everything is fresh."
However he puts his rude health down to plenty of exercise, walking, and hard work.
John Joe Healy of Knocknaboul.in County Kerry is 91 years old and still working on the farm. He has only been ill once in his life,
Kidney trouble after a fierce bout of drink.
John Joe Healy also highlights the importance of clean air, continuous hard work from an early age and
"A good spirit, you’re anxious always to do something good, it keeps you going, you’re looking at tomorrow to do something better."
Brought up eating course food such as yellow meal and wheaten bread. He is an advocate for a diet rich in food produced from the land,
I don’t believe in all these dainty foods at all.
Daniel M O’Connell of Rathmore in County Kerry is 89 years old. He maintains a lively interest in sport and he is organising a Fleadh in the village. He thinks the longevity in the area is due to customs, food, exercise, simple pursuits and not worrying unnecessarily,
Small troubles never bothered me.
Katy Kelly of Knocknaboul is 89 years old. She helps run a busy household and enjoys Irish dancing. She is convinced people live longer in the area due to plenty of hard work and a good, plain, nourishing diet.
A ‘Newsbeat’ report broadcast on 21 May 1969. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
21 авг 2024