Three Miles Over, Three Miles Down

In this first programme we travel back to prehistoric times to the actual foundation of coal and hear some of the the history of mines and mining. We’ll hear about the initial mining of coal and the eventual opening of the Deerpark mine. We’ll hear abo …

‘Three Miles Over and Three Miles Down’ tells the rich history and heritage of the Castlecomer Mines in County Kilkenny, Ireland. In this series we will hear the history of mines and mining in the Castlecomer area of Kilkenny from prehistory to 1969, when the mines closed, ending centuries of iron and coal mining in the area and the surrounding Leinster coalfield.In this programme we hear about the lives of those who worked in the Deerpark mine. We walk the old mine overground and hear stories of the miners lives underground.

‘Three Miles Over and Three Miles Down’ tells the rich history and heritage of the Castlecomer Mines in County Kilkenny, Ireland. In this series we will hear the history of mines and mining in the Castlecomer area of Kilkenny from prehistory to 1969, when the mines closed, ending centuries of iron and coal mining in the area and the surrounding Leinster coalfield.In this programme we go over ground to hear about the lives of the miners and their families. We get a sense of how they spent their spare time and hear of the vital role that women played in the community.

‘Three Miles Over and Three Miles Down’ tells the rich history and heritage of the Castlecomer Mines in County Kilkenny, Ireland. In this series we will hear the history of mines and mining in the Castlecomer area of Kilkenny from prehistory to 1969, when the mines closed, ending centuries of iron and coal mining in the area and the surrounding Leinster coalfield.In this programme we look at the history of industrial relations in the mines during the 20th century, about some of the strikes that took place and the role of Nicholas ‘Nixie’ Boran, the principal union organizer. We hear about the clashes in the 1930’s between the miners and the Catholic Church. We hear about the accidents and industrial diseases that the miners suffered, especially pneumoconiosis and we hear about the miners campaign for compensation.

‘Three Miles Over and Three Miles Down’ tells the rich history and heritage of the Castlecomer Mines in County Kilkenny, Ireland. In this series we will hear the history of mines and mining in the Castlecomer area of Kilkenny from prehistory to 1969, when the mines closed, ending centuries of iron and coal mining in the area and the surrounding Leinster coalfield.In this programme we’ll hear about the final closure of the mine. As you’ll hear, there was an inevitability about it and despite the best efforts of the mine owner and the workers, the mine closed on January 31st, 1969. With that the mining tradition in Castlecomer Came to an end after almost 300 years. But it was not all negative and the community spirit of Castlecomer overcame this setback and continues to thrive to this day.