In Reply to: piggys make an escape posted by oliver killeen on October 06, 2010 at 02:45:11:

Oliver, your walk down memory lane brought back fond memories to me also of my days on McHale Road. I, too was reminded of the bacon factory when I heard the local news here in Cambridge, Ontario of the overturned truck full of pigs in Toronto. Like you, my friends and I used to go down to the bacon factory and watch the pigs being slaughtered. We were fascinated by the large round furnace which would open up and "swallow" the poor pigs.

One very clear memory that I have is when I took my wife Frances over for a visit to Castlebar back in the late 60's We stayed at my sister Breege's house at #33 McHale Road. Now, I must tell you that my wife, was brought up in a town in England and had no experience of farm animals. One day during our visit I opened the door from the living room to the from hallway only to be greeted by a "large sow" which was literally stuck in the hallway.Needless to say my wife, got quite the shock. I explained to my wife that my sister Breege, always had the meat delivered fresh fresh every week. I am sure that many of the McHale Road people in those days had similar experiences as many of the cattle/pigs would be herded down our road to the bacon factory and as kids we did not always close our gates despite the warnings of our parents who would constantly "yell" close the gate.
Now, I am celebrating my 43rd wedding anniversary with my wife Frances on Thursday October 7th. 2010 and during all of these years we have had to go to the supermarket to purchase our pork as they do not deliver it to your hallway here in Canada.
Ah, those were the days.