All I've Ever Known: Margaret Gallagher's Story - My Thatched Cottage without modern amenities.
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- Опубликовано: 12 май 2024
- Documentary I produced for the BBC in 1992 that has proven to be very popular from its first broadcast, and continues to attract interest from across the world in 2022. Margaret Gallagher from Belcoo, County Fermanagh, N. Ireland, enjoys her rural lifestyle, living without modern amenities. This was shot on 16mm film.
It reached one million views by June 2019 without any advertising and those numbers continue to climb in 2021. Fantastic! Many thanks to all viewers and especially those who have left such kind comments. I've been in touch with Margaret and she is thrilled at the response.
John Callister (PeaceNIreland.com)
Margaret describes herself as uneducated, but she is more articulate than most university graduates I meet.
University graduates are generally educated, just not necessarily intelligent (which comes from experiencing and traversing the trials of living) - big difference!
Exactly. Anyone could get a college degree. @@frankyyaggabot6222
💯❣️
It's not formal education. Unfortunately, formal is all that counts in the modern world.
"There's nothing in the modern world that I'd want. There's nothing as powerful as the love of a family" Margaret is far richer than the majority.
I was really in love once and all I wanted is to live in a small wooden hut in the middle of nowhere and care for the guy as my husband. All things that are considered luxuries and even necessities seemed like distractions and burdens. Imagine being a sick child and being forced to live in a hospital while outside the sun is shining and other children are playing and getting icecreams from their parents. That's how normal life felt to me compared to the life I wanted.
@@MargaritaMagdalena I crave the simple life too. I actually get quite emotional when I go into the countryside away from the craziness and stresses of life.. sadly that often comes from the life we've created though.
I often say to people imagine how healthy her mind is. She doesn't have to scroll through negative newsfeeds on Facebook or any social media. She isn't reminded of the bad things in this world. She is happy and healthy and is richer than someone with gold. The internet is handy but it can really take up your whole life. We need to be reminded that not everyone has the internet and that they prefer the old fashioned way of face to face communication. I think we as a society have gone backwards with all this technology.
@ABC 2021 a radio is fine. It can be easily switched off. Mobile phones and the internet are completely different
I never had that and now I'm reaping effects of my parents abuse truly horror show there sorry does nothing
Heard her on the radio a few times lately, she's still going strong living in the same cottage
Thank You for the update! It is one of the first questions I asked myself after watching this. God bless her!
Delightful! Thanks for the news. Refreshing to watch this from Canada in 2023. I'm not Irish, but have been much connected to several Irish friends for decades. I love the old ways. ♥
Is she? This is fantastic news, I did a search online and I saw things about funerals etc, I’d assumed she had passed. Wonderful to know she is doing well in her humble abode.
My wife and i lived in Ireland in a cottage exactly like that one. Life was wonderful.
That's so good to hear!
I simply cannot get my head around how profoundly grounded these folks are. Living in the States in a culture where people constantly crave what they don't have, I was in awe of this family who have addressed life as it has presented itself, with balance and practicality.. What a wonderful model for us all.
Well put! We should certainly give up 'looking for happiness' and focus more on looking for contentment.
Too true. I stepped away from mainstream expectations over 4 years ago. Living in an idyllic backwater now, in Portugal, and not in the UK. But that doesn't mean life is easy. It isn't and not always meant to be. So its a question of your priorities and inner contentment that matter. If this interests you, the 1946 film 'The Razor's Edge' starring Tyrone Power (wriiten by W. Somerset Maugham) is a great piece of enlightenment, long before the beatniks and hippies came along (not that they had anything new or powerful to say, imo). These questions of living simply with kindness, love and inner contentment speak to the ages. This and the film are great.
Yup. Happiness is what we choose it to be and how simply we choose to live. No pomp. No circumstance. No Kelly Anne "Con" Ways. Gregg Oreo long beach ca
@@paultownson5444 bravo. Well said about contentment. Lately a lady wrote... I think In. Deed it was eleanor roosevelt.. that by living and serving others in a good life: then HAPPINESS is a by product. Good enough for me. Gregg Oreo long beach ca
I enjoyed every minute of this short film. I feel the pull of my ancestors whenever I see such things. I remain an Irish lass.
Well, I am English and I just stumbled across this lovely video. This reminds me of the time when such programmes were shown on the television and connected everyone with people leading all sorts of lives. Now, we see celebrity after celebrity (a meaningless term) leading vacuous lives and talking about nothing but those vacuous lives. This beautifully made video refreshed me with its glimpse into the life of Margaret, a life well worth knowing and a person well worth listening to. This lady, is intelligent, eloquent, obviously well-read with her Russian literature, despite leaving school at 14, and puts to shame the modern education system which rarely turns out someone of Margaret’s intelligence. Well, thank you John, for posting this. I hope !Margaret is well. God bless this delightful and charming lady.
Absolutely. She is astonishingly articulate. The sign of a reader and a talker. A clear, beautiful accent. A joy to listen to
I very much enjoyed reading your comment. Beautifully written and oh so true.
@@simpleshoes Agreed.
Agree so very much, I live on Long Island in NY and am surrounded by so much of that meaningless chatter, 'celebrities' ugh....useless gossip and ridiculous to me. (That's just my perspective of course, live & let live is truly my motto). I love when people and stories such as this are what's 'trending', connections to other lives connect me to other times and I'm thankful for those simple things.
Well said. You said what I wanted to say, thank you.
My Mother grew up like this ! it made her a strong woman she died at 96........ Respect for the ways of old .......
Living in a thatched cottage with items from 2 generations back this lady has more class then most of my generation.
People don't get how much they learn over 3 or 4 decades outside of school. I'm a PhD and spent many, many years surrounded by academia. My father-in-law left school at 12 in the 40s. He is still the smartest person I've ever known with a history very much like Margaret's.
Yes true
My maternal grand father never went to Secondary school and was extremely good with maths as was a number of his brothers.
Ha I work for a professor from new college Cambridge he couldn't put an IKEA sideboard together! I picked my knuckles up off the floor and done it for him 👍
@@michaeladams2644 Yep, some of the dumbest people I know have advanced degrees.
The quality of academia is decreasing decade by decade.
If you ask the woman in this video how many genders there are, she'd say two. If you ask her whether all white people are born racist, she'd say no.
This is my granny’s best friend and I can say she is an amazing person we always walk to her house it’s a stunning house and she keeps it to perfection
Her house looks just like the house on The Quiet Man. I love it!
@mihir kumar kumarji, Ireland is unfortunately unravelling with gross materialism and secularism like the rest of the western world, as it is Kaliyug, the age of impiety and corruption. Forget bout coming here. Do bhakti and attain God, Bhagwan. From.an Irish woman.
Orla Gray, you are blessed to enjoy such a friendship.
I am envious of you!
@@orlagray863 , you are a very well-spoken 13 year old. I hope you are a big reader, too!
She took care of her bedridden Dad for the last 17 years of his life!! Her whole life she focused on what was dear to her: her dad, a simple life and living with nature. Now majority of us watching this have been doing the exact opposite; chasing money, getting degrees that would pay most, buying the latest apple gadget and showing off on Facebook/Instagram. Our actions grip us in this chaotic materialistic life, yet, our souls seek a simple and peaceful life. Respect and regards to this lovely lady!
However life has changedworldwide due to the covid virus and quarentine...These days have shown us what really is important in life. Margaret has known it her whole life...
It is amazing to me that Margaret declares her lack of education. In my Montessori understanding of education as preparation for life she has the finest education possible. She is independent, has taken up opportunities at late stages in life, expresses her ideas and knowledge fluently, lives in harmony with her environment . So impressive! I really would love to meet her.
Well said. I pretty much wasted 6 years of my life and $70,000 on an “education” and now I gave up the rat race, started a small business with my husband and moved on to a boat!!! Life is so much more than just working to pay for things you don’t need or even want!
You wrote what I was thinking as well. What we did not see was how she dealt with the removal of human waste. I see no outhouse on her property so I wonder how she handles that without being fined for improper disposal. I am just inquisitive.
@@barbarakosloski9260 these are things we don't need to know.
What a splendid woman Margaret is , from her history to her reality of understanding how empty and meaningless the modern world is , fraught with nothing but gee gaws and trinkets , the separation of family and tradition for the vacuus grasp after fame and wealth . Rather Margaret's reality , way of life , generosity of spirit , loyalty and strength . Long may she live in the way she must live . 👍🇬🇧
This brought tears to my eyes. So touching. I remember one of my aunts farming with her husband and 3 sons. They had no electricity, and no running water. Everything was hand made and a lot of canning was done, I loved to go visit her. She was soft spoken, a gentle woman who baked the best pies and cookies. She also worked very hard. She passed many years ago but I will never forget her.
Did she actually have sons? It made out like she was single because she was quite hot when she was younger, I would have certainly given her a good prodding with my one eyed purple yoghurt monster.
That's lovely, I lived this way for many years, and you couldn't pay me any amount of money to go back to it. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for electricity, and hot, running, clean water nearly every single day. Some are built for it, others are not, and we kinda need us all ❤
Why do you call Biscuits, cookies and pickling, canning because that is what Americans call them so i'm finding it difficult to believe you and also a number of people are saying on here say she is still alive.
Being intelligent and educated is not really anything to do with certificates. A love of nature and having it all around you is truly inspiring in itself.
❤
You're making a nonsensical comment
@@Arthurian. Not really you can learn a lot from nature.
@@Arthurian. And also she reads a lot.
No doubt about it she’s intelligent as she’s articulate.
*No formal education and her first job was at age 46: local historian, public speaker, tour guide, project manager. Very impressive!*
Given her age she was better educated by 14 than our top Ivy League universities in America does now.
Lovely story
@@noelmcdermott1954
Agreed. I have just watched another RUclips video, Margaret is 75 years old and was still living in her home
C a a
@@paulcalmond o
I just googled this lady, she's still going strong and she looks fantastic. An environmentally friendly way of life.
Burning wood … nah.
@@futuristica1710 People have been burning wood since time began to stay warm. Not everyone is privileged or educated enough to have a choice. Sometimes people have no other choice and it's nature's way of supplying heat.
@@futuristica1710 It's turf.
also a human friendly way of life, which is more important, despite what you've been brainwashed to believe.
@@futuristica1710 If you grow the wood how is it not environmentally friendly?
To say I that am humbled by Margaret’s values and her life story, is an understatement. I am deeply touched to have been fortunate enough to have stumbled across this beautiful film.
Margaret Gallagher holds a shining light of wisdom in a world now mortally wounded by darkness and greed. Following her example would heal this entire planet.
A lot of them dont want to be saved, they want to be gay.
I really enjoyed this video. But this American kept wondering what whales she was referring to…😂
We each have a contribution, and need only focus upon that. If we did this, each one of us, we could turn toward the sun and spring would begin. I say it that way because it is the end of a long winter. Winter may fight to keep its hold, but eventually spring comes. Focus on your own blooming, I say. You are powerful, a sovereign being. Who knows what sparks you throw? Trust thyself, know your own heart.
No idea how I ended-up watching this, but what a lovely antidote to all the other crap I've been viewing.
lol,,yeah I was thinking the same thing
@@edropper2732 lol, me too. I was watching something else and this interrupted the other video. My family is from County Cork. My Mom and I went in 2008 and everyone knew my sir name. And I had to laugh. As we were traveling through Ireland my Mom said "This looks a lot like Wisconsin!" My response was "Yes, we spent a lot of money to drive through Wisconsin!" Our family farns are in next to the state line between Illinois and Wisconsin. We did stay in an old castle, went around the ring of Kerry (after the annual race) saw the book of Kells and kissed the Blarney Stone! So it was a good trip. Italy is next up.
Yeah me too she made me cry...
Margaret is now 75 and still living in the same cottage. What an amazing woman to have achieved so much.
Oh that's wonderful to know! She's still there!!! Lovely, lovely lady. A fascinating look at her life. Thank you.
I was wondering about her. I just watched this for the first time today and thought it a great story. Also wondering is the mill was ever restored?
Dan Hillman it looks like it was restored but I don’t know if fully. If you google it it shows up with a metal roof on top. Not sure what it’s like inside.
I can relate to her a lot, I love that style of life, and college kids today can not write a letter or take a dictation....but ....they know how to ...F A X , the dumb assholes.
It's good to know Margaret is still at home. Beautiful story.
This lovely woman and her simple and honest lifestyle is full and rich in history. She says she is not educated but her education is far greater. She has a wealth of knowledge far beyond schooling. Could listen to her for hours. A wonderful video. Thank you for sharing
This past year has afforded me time for introspection. I finally realized at the age of 30 that all I want out of life is to live in a cozy house in the country, surrounded by a loving family, good friends, and a few animals. As an American, however, it was drilled into me at an early age to chase after a career/money/success. No wonder I could never pinpoint a career or major in college that I was truly passionate about. I have a few hobbies, but I never wanted to turn them into my source of income. I was just going through the motions, doing what was expected of me. It all rang hollow, and I always felt deep down that I was on the wrong path. However, if one wants benefits (or if you're European, basic human rights) in this country ( such as healthcare), you have to work fulltime....
I am truly happy to see that Margaret Gallagher has been able to live life on her own terms. She is an inspiration to many of us, and I hope that I am someday able to live a similar life. In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming!
Nice to see the ancient house, archealogical sites, rivers,hilly areas and the students. Wonderful explanation.inspired the story of Margaret.
Go for it. Live your life this is all you've got. Leave the materialistic world
He'll, I'll just take a family. I'm happy w that
I love your dream! I want the same....
Me too...moving to the Ozarks. Tired of the crazy cities.
Now THIS is a woman I can look up to. Imagine, being hardy enough to maintain this lifestyle while the whole world changes around you. Brilliant woman.
She is a heroine in the tradition of Charlotte Bronte. It's fascinating to discover her in this age of radical change.
Donna and the world is definitely not changing for the better. I find that those who are poorer in money and who live a simpler life are far more at peace and happier with themselves.
Donna-Maria Welsh wish it were me
@@theenglishman9596 I couldn't agree more.
@@Beencouraged777 Me too! I can only imagine the peace she wakes up to in the morning.
Margaret is not uneducated. She is a fine self taught well read self-sufficient women with great reverence for her family heritage, culture and nature.
Absolutely! So gentle and gracious.
Actually she's more educated than almost all of us. Just think of reading russian classics instead of watching tv...
Autodidactic.
pretty sure she reads 500% more books than the average person commenting in this section
Love it ❤
12 minutes in and I must say, this woman is a national treasure.
This woman is blessed in a very special way that most of us will never know.
As of March 2020, Margaret still lives alone in her cottage near Belcoo. In fact, she was recently visited by the Prince Edward (Earl of Wessex).
Thank you for the update.
Having Irish ancestry, I was delighted to find this video. Fascinating and beautiful!
Szymon Gorczynski so good to hear! She is near my age and I also still enjoy life alone in my cottage.
Szymon Gorczynski my father and was from near Belcoo in Kinawley , co Fermanagh. I found this most informative and proud of my heritage.
Good to hear. Perhaps they should get married... Xx
I don't see a museum. I see a beautiful, well-kept, simple home.
The Irish people embody long suffering, patience, and grace. I’m honored to be the great-great granddaughter of a member of the Diaspora. May the world enjoy the people and wisdom of Ireland for millennia to come.
We now live in a technocratic society full of hate greed and lack of respect for the past and present. This lady and I mean (LADY) would be a pleasure to sit down and have a nice conversation with nice being the operative word .A trait that seems to have gone out of fashion.God bless Margaret.
The world has always had good and bad, hatred and warmth. The current era has always been the technological era whether now or 2000 years ago.
💯🙏🏿❤️.. your words are so True . ❣️
So....Margaret Gallagher says she was uneducated entering the work force at the age of 46 and yet she had read the Russian classics! And listen to how she talks. Her grammar and diction is better than most university graduates!
you dont have to go to school to be educated. she had an impressive bookcase
In a country that was dirt poor till recently but produced Wilde, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, and Brendan Behan--just to name a few off the top of my head--the bar for "uneducated" is a wee bit higher.
@@texasred2702 You can add our Nobel prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney and the renowned Irish poet Brendan Kenneally to that very impressive list!
@@texasred2702 You can add our Nobel prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney and the renowned Irish poet Brendan Kenneally to that very impressive list!
I have met thousands of Irish people like that, they never had a chance at formal education, most never made it past national school, because of family needs/work/money came first! My own Dad was pulled out of school at 11 and put to work!
At age 74 in the summer of 2017, Margaret was still living at home, now a pensioner. Bravo Margaret!
Mary Cahill thank you for the update. Do you know this lovely lady?
Hi Mary Cahill, thank you for the update. I hope it will be looked after for generations. We live in an old farm worker's cottage in Yorkshire. It was part of the Wakefield Manor Roles. You have to be a pagan round here as there is no real traditional catholic church within 34 miles here. Which church would her grandfather have worshipped at do you know?
Aah, it's Kieran, she says. He will inherit the cottage.
Mary Cahill 1
@beckys2222 Hi, beckys2222, thank you for your message. Is she Catholic? I missed that bit. Did she say that in the recording please?
Deep down this is how we all want to live.
This lady reminded me of my great grandma she lived in rural Georgia USA and lived exactly the same and with the same attitude. I loved her more than I can speake !
She's kept her rosy cheeks, the spring in her step and a smart sense of style in her wardrobe.
I'm wondering how she did her laundry
@@uyoebyik Handwashing using a bath and washboard with detergent
Amazing woman, but her sister is the real hero, who in spite of having her own family, helped her sister and father financially, without which they would not have survived and would possibly have had to abandon this rural way of life and move nearer to urbanisation. Still a wonderful insight into how people lived contentedly without mod cons.
There is a path for each. One not better than the other... Each with is positives and negatives... The gift was they each had a choice and each was happy in their choice...
@@danherrick5785 A lovely comment to make dan .
Agreed! Her sister working to earn money for her parents and sister. Amazed her stay at home sister never got a job til she was age 45. In US, in my family we were all expected to work in high school to help with our expenses.I began babysitting at age 12. I love her simple home and the fireplace especially. Much more peace and way less stress than living in the US. Interesting video. ❣
@@janefromthecountry1820 They all paid and worked for the sister to go to school...That's what she wanted to do - go to school - everyone worked for what SHE wanted to do...That sacrifice and investment paid off well...She gets to live in the city with city life and city conviences that she can't live without now...
She cared for an invalid father for 17 years free of charge. They both worked together to make things work.
She is still living “Off the grid.” Absolutely amazing!
What a beautiful place. I’ve been to Ireland and you can’t describe just how stunning. There’s a reason Ireland is called the Emerald Isle…so many shades of green. And the people are so kind.
Margaret is actually a very distant relative of mine. My maiden name is Galliher.
Hello Margaret. It's 2018 and I'm watching your story. I am 63 years old. If I could have my time over again, I would gladly live a life similar to yours. Bless you....I think you are rich beyond imagination.
+Roslyn Klippelt - An update of Margaret, now 75 (in 2017) - ruclips.net/video/RAvgDcEOpQI/видео.html
@@sanataj Thank you Harry for that update. Wow, it just really makes me think that change is NOT always progress. What a beautiful natural way of life, without the mad need to get to the next place, or monetary needs of today, and completely miss the Present Moment...God Bless these people.
Nolan 83 m
I think sometimes that the old way of life, while difficult, was so much better!
I love this! Uneducated? Nope! Differently educated! Very intelligent woman!
Yes,she could teach some so called Educators a Lesson or Two
So so nice and lovely way of living .
A wonderfull documentary by a talented unique lady, so much historical knowledge living on within her.
@Lala lalala she knows stuff not taught in schoolrooms but from living a certain kind of life.
SELF educated. My Grandfather only went to school until the 8th grade. He was VERY intelligent and well read.
To the millions of us descended from those who had to Flee our beautiful homeland. God sent the Irish on mission, it’s in our DNA. God Bless. ☘️
I love her story. Once in a while, when I feel overwhelmed, I watch this in order to calm down. She is very refreshing and content with her lifestyle and very articulate and intelligent. I'm glad that she is still able to live her life on her terms in this cottage that makes her happy. I wish her many happy and healthy years to come🙏
Her story made my day during Covid. She keeps bringing up the fact she did not have secondary education but I bet after entering the work force she realized how uneducated most people are. She has manners.
This interview should be shown on Television for all to see and learn what life is really about. Margaret is an inspiration to us all. we had a thatched house growing up all she does now we c did until 1959. Then my father decided to put in a bathroom and a proper slate roof. memories brought back thank you Margaret keep safe and well. Toni from Quilty.
Good point.
I'm 78 and this is the way We lived when I was a child. It was a happy time. It made me happy to remember those sweet days.
I love the way Margaret is a snazzy dresser. She is a natural lady.
@@shannaedwards2702 why are you copying other people's comments? That's wierd
❤
Can we just take a moment to appreciate that beautiful hand drawn map at 11:37? Thats a work of art!
I enjoyed your story my parents Were Irish born They came to America as live in Domestics and I was born I lived half my life in Ireland and the Ring of Kerry is my favorite my mom know in Heaven I'm alone in America one sister that's Immigration but I always have a warm memory in my heart for my heritage Caledonia ❤
I run a website now at Peacenireland.com
Reminds me of a quote imputed to Ben Franklin “ A wealthy person is not one who has the most but one who
Needs the least.” Beautiful evocative film using the least to evoke the most.
Teresa wiener wowww so profound
Nice quote 👍
Such a powerful quote on wealth. 🙏
Then … Why did he need to steal the land from indigenous people?
This is how my Scottish relatives lived even when I was small. I am in my 60s now. It is important to realise that this way of living is NOT possible in cities or towns. But I do applaud the sharing of this video, if only young people would watch it and learn that life is not all about gadgets and disposable goods. Living 'without' does not mean poverty.
If I grew up there with that beautiful cottage and land I wouldn't ever want to leave either. It's all I ever wanted is a true home. Margaret is more fortunate than she knows.
You may not realise it dear lady but I would change places with you in a heartbeat if it were possible. Modern lifestyles are absolutely not great or even nice lately, and I believe the uncomplicated and simple way you live is so much closer to what God intended for us from the beginning. Cherish it!
Modern life is hell wrapped up in safety. I'll probably live til I'm 80, and I can get pain relief easily. I can watch any movie for free, I don't have to walk to get my groceries, I can microwave food in 3 minutes.
I'm alone and lost.
You say while using modern technology and a modern website to whine about modern things
Well do it, you could buy a place like that for about 20k
LOOKED AFTER YOUR OLD DAD FOR 17YR'S, GOD BLESS YOU,XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
That's a daughter
I looked after my mum for fifteen years and will never regret a minute xx
This made me sad in some ways - sad at how society is now, materialist , fast paced , shallow etc .. Margaret gives us a glimpse into the past , what an incredible woman , & her sister too .. Thankyou for sharing your life with us Margaret xx
You do not have to live as society does though. Gross your own garden, learn to be self sufficient. Before you know it, you'll be living closer to her life then you would expect.
you misunderstood the message i think !! She loves the history of the aerea she lives in but i don't think she intends to teach how to live in the past but how easy it is to live happy without all the modern hurly burly
Respect from Aotearoa NZ for this amazing Irish Woman remaining true to her heritage and ancestral treasures and values
...also good work John producing this important historical record
What a beautiful woman, inside and out! 🕊️
Our IQ comes from reading, hearing, doing and experience. Boy, does she have all that!!
well said!
Indeed, she does. This was very impressive. I could never tire of hearing Margaret speak. Such a wealth of knowledge and quite articulate.
Margaret Gallagher pioneering "off grid" before it was a thing. Love this! "These aren't things in a museum, I need them, I use them everyday!"
My, i was skirting the internet for a story just like this one, and i found it. God Bless from India.
They could NOT have picked a more perfect person for this job. I hope that she is well, and still enjoying her life.
Just wonderful. What an amazing woman...she may not have had much of an education, but she has a wealth of knowledge far beyond any of our university graduates, who have degrees in useless subjects, plus knowledge of technology. Margaret is very eloquent and is obviously very intelligent. I envy her her simplicity and dignity. Well done Margaret.
This is a wow! Amazing.. scenery, Margaret is wonder filled!
I can dream! Headford, Roscommon, Athleague, Athlone, Drum !
This video is testimony to the fact that external influences & formal education won't ruin who you are if you don't let it. The lady is an inspiration.
Beautiful, this reminds me of the Ireland I remember visiting as a small child. My uncles lived this way.
The knowledge these old folk had about the land and the myth. We have lost so much in our modern world of distraction.
Bless Margaret for sharing her beautiful high vibrational life.
We could all learn form this.💚
This was very interesting. My ancestors were Irish and came to New Zealand in the 18 hundreds. We lived without electricity until I was 9 but we had a coal range. I remember my mother ironing Dad's shirts with a smoothing iron.
Most of the heather in the North Island is white. Sometimes it may have a pinkish tinge.
The homemade bread my Mother baked was called raewana, a Maori name, and was made from potatoes and flour.
I was very impressed with Margaret. My father left school at 13 and became a school principal. There is a big difference between education and schooling. Margaret is obviously well educated.
What a beautiful story. Im kiwi too and tho prob a bit younger, maybe, lol. But i spent 10 years on a block of land and our shed had a coal range, no power. I loved it. Thank you for mentioning our Maori bread. I love that too.
And where now should a person become a principle with an 8th grade education?
"Kiwi," really.
@@hemana3859 A kiwi is a native bird.
@@keridesireeGerBaldi yes New Zealanders have been nicknamed Kiwis since the first world war. Kiwi is a native bird that does not fly. Kiwi fruit was named after the Kiwi bird.We never call the fruit just Kiwi. When I was a kid it was called a Chinese gooseberry. Actually my father left school at 13 to work. They were very poor. He went to the second world war when he was 17.
@@hemana3859 thank you for your lovely answer and for explaining to poopoo peepee.😄😍 We use to be able to get rewana from the farmers market before the pandemic. I reckon I am a lot older than you. I am 73 so I was talking about the 1950s.
The lady is more educated than the highest scholar!! brilliant film and a lifestyle many are yearning for....
Absolutely!
To much formal education & too much tech & no exp. makes people ignorant.
Bron j
@@crystlark m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=734811909908893&id=100001402734858&set=a.716302481759836.1073741833.100001402734858&source=46 Power Struggle
I wish she would write a book so we could hear more of her stories about her life in Belcoo. So inspiring and historical at the same time.❤️
Me too!
Margaret is an excellent example to show the difference between intelligence and education. It’s apparent she is very intelligent indeed, and what a gold mine of local folklore and geography, everything her father told her can be shared with the world! KEvery person is of supreme value in this world….
I love her lifestyle. It's beautiful how you can love your own home and respect the beauty of nature.
Oh my.... I am crying here. I so hope all her wishes come true. She deserves all the best from life. What an incredible woman. This documentary should be shown at schools all around the western world, for we need to be taught what matters and how powerful the resilience, determination and love can be.
Jay Alexander Thank you Jay! That’s a lovely idea.
John Callister thank YOU for making this fantastic documentary!
@@preciousstory244 Pls do so. It's well made. My generation should know this. Please show it in schools.
This is how you make a documentary. No unnecessary drone shots. Just simple to the point information told in an effortless manner. Moving!
Old school style documentaries are the best,
Them drone shots though *Doughy Eyes
Tina Hill “doughy”?
I doubt they had drones in 1992!
@@mikeollier5716 Seriously? This is what you understand from that comment?
Fascinating woman. I've known a few men and women like her in Ireland. Both my parents were born and raised there in the early 20th century. Mother was a Mayo woman from the eastern part of the county near the Ox Mountains, Father from southeast Leitrim. Both grew up in thatched cottages like Margaret's. My country tailor uncle had many of the amenities that Margaret has. I remarked on the iron, exactly like the one my uncle used in his tailoring.
I'm a "Yank" by birth, but I never feel more at home than when I'm in Ireland. Thanks very much for a lovely video.
She sure makes it look easy, but her life's been anything but. She's so appreciative, caring, wise and just a good person. She's maintained that beautiful cottage so perfectly. What a Marvelous video. ❤️
Margaret Gallagher is a national treasure!
I'm 80 this year, and some of what she is using, my mother used. I feel very nostalgic, and think of her alone with her beautiful books to keep her company.
I'm hoping she is also still busy doing what she does!
You're 80 years YOUNG! 😃 Your precious memory touched my heart. You worded it simply, which made what they said stand out.
I am 61. My mom died when I was 20. Sometimes it feels like an unbelievably long time since I've seen her. Other times, my memories are so clear, I can imagine that I could become part of the scene or situation that was going to become the memory. Additionally, I would "know then, what I know now." I know, I know - "Hindsight is 20/20."
Take care. I hope you have, or have had, someone to create memories with.
I think we all have too much we don’t need half of what we use , the simple life so much better but saying that we would not of heard of her story if I wasn’t for the technology that I’m using . But given the choice I would go back to the old ways tomorrow.
I am 22 and my family used all that (in india), i grew up in a poor village
What a beautiful soul she is. I remember visiting older family friends in similar “basic” style dwellings in the 1970s around the border areas. Beautiful, decent people
I am seventy now. This video takes my memories back to my village, where my parents, brothers and sister lived without modern amneties. Ms. Gallagher is one of the greatest inspiring persons I have come across so far. Hers so inspiring that I share this remarkable video with family and friends. Thanks a lot .
As an educator myself, I felt I must reply to the many comments about her “education”. The term “educate”, means to draw out - or to bring to fruition that which ALREADY resides within each of us. Ms. Margaret is a fine example of someone who drew upon her own understanding of life, and made comparisons, connections, and problem solving strategies. In the exact same way ALL professors and scholars, before her, have done (albeit in a more formal, constructed environment..., like university campus). I have tremendous respect and admiration for her and the path she has chosen.
Great point. Our forefathers weren't schooled formally AT ALL ...But what a great wealth of Wisdom they left us. That is still being taught formally in schools today
This was the best thirty minutes of my day. Thank you Mr. Callister for posting this lovely story, and thank you Margaret, for the gracious sharing of your life story.
Mine too Truly enjoyed this, I still have a wood stove for heat and some people dont understand why . "
beingmeonly how wonderful!
Whether you like it or not this is truly the ultimate life! She has peace with herself and that is priceless
Dear John, thank you so much for making this! It's been inspiring to see such a way of life. But may I ask: can you share an update on how Margaret is doing these days? How has she fared in the pandemic? Does she have electricity now? How about doing a sit down interview with her in her cottage, 30 years on, talking about life, books, baking, chores whatever. We would all love to see Margaret once again. (Viewers, please upvote/like this comment if you'd like to see her once again, so John can ascertain the interest). Thanks again John and Margaret! :)
ruclips.net/video/slgTCPnetJY/видео.html
Had me in tears with a great, unrequited longing for a life such as this. Wisdom and intellect are not always the end product of higher education. Sometimes, the finest sort of knowledge comes from an abiding love for family, culture and a sense of place, as well as a keen appreciation for history, music, and books and more books ... along with a heart so full of caring and compassion it can only do what it does best. Lovely, touching video!
Beautifully put. I concur with everything you said.
A beautiful historic cottage and a lovely woman living a simple, straightforward, honorable life filled with meaning & gratitude.
Perfectly said
coomhola 🌷🌷🌷This is very true! It's quite strange that with more technology in the WORLD our societies have lost touch with reality, and what truly matters! I went camping once with a pillow case of belongings and a tent it was refreshing to see just how happy I truly was without much! When I came home I felt incredibly SPOILED! Whatever happened to those wonderful days? Are youth today are SELFISH AND vein, disrespectful, unkind and RUDE! SOCIETY HAS REALLY GONE DOWN! WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LOVE OF GOD AND COUNTRY? A SAD WORLD WE LIVE IN, WITHOUT BEAUTY!!!
Such a pity with mass migration it's only time this will be lost.
She is looking good for being 50😊
If I just had a water source, I'd turn everything off. Her life is so envious for me, it makes my heart hurt. I also took care of my bed-ridden G-ma until she passed at 103.
This is beautiful. I love how she says “I just call it home.” There is something to be said for a life of “simplicity”. Depression and anxiety run rampant in the most developed areas, and as Margaret said she learned from her father all the things that matter. Not the most money or highest degrees. Her faith in knowing her heritage was what made her succeed.
My step grandmother lives in Derbyshire and whilst she very much has electricity, a television, even wifi these days! Her 18th century cottage is so well maintained and so many traditions are kept up. Its a privilege being able to stay in a house which had been in the family has owned for generations and live a little like people used to. Fetching wood from the shed and meat from the larder and whatnot is a very valuable experience i feel very privileged to have had as a milennial.
I love the way Margaret is a snazzy dresser. She is a natural lady.
I love her clothes, especially the jumper at 11.28
And remember this is 1992.
I agree. A real lady
@@sand3882 oh i had no idea! I thought it was a recent video. I certainly hope someone has installed a rainwater tank for Margaret now she is quite a bit older! That is a bit of a walk through slippery ground, getting to that spring to get a pail of water... and cold!
@@twodogzdogue8710 , nope, she is living just as she was. She's 77 or 78, and still getting around well. Check out some of the little recent interviews. She seems fairly content.
For someone without secondary education this Women is brilliant in a million ways!
I could listen to Margaret all day! She is a wealth of knowledge and has a very nice voice! I am in awe of how much she knows of the history of her environment and she doesn't carry papers to prompt her! She must have an outstanding memory! What a lovely and interesting woman!
Margaret lives less than 20 miles from where my great great grandparents lived in County Leitrim before emigrating to the U.S. in 1856. It's fascinating to get this glimpse into how life was for them in Ireland.
"I would like to see myself I would to be carried out in a coffin from this house because this is home", In the last words of this beautiful documentary, what a powerful feeling, that express the lady, hat off for her.
I thoroughly enjoyed Margaret sharing a bit of her life.
I think this raises the question of what education really is.
I think Margaret is higher educated than some college graduates.
Tracie Becker most definitely! Many things cannot be learned in schools!
@@cynthiaennis3107 I fully agree. The greatest things would and could never be taught in these educational systems.
@@cynthiaennis3107 True. As Oscar Wilde said: "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."
@@littleredrose6254 did Oscar Wilde really say that? Such poor grammar! "Nothing worth knowing" surely he means anything worth knowing?
I know a graduate in physics. He can calculate the cubic volume of a jar of pickles - but cant get the lid off!
Thank you John Callister for telling us about the life of Margaret Gallagher. A perfect example of sustainable development. I hope she is doing well.
I have watched this film several times and have wished many times that the filmmaker would provide an update of Margaret Gallagher’s life of her Irish farm.
She is alive and well at 80! Profiled March 8, 2022 in an online publication called countercurrents. Also see the show notes to this video.
@@anng.4542 thank you so much. I cannot wait to watch!
Here in America, people are going back to homesteading using the same irons, dishes and heating water to bathe and wash dishes. We still have the Amish still living the old way. I love your home,it looks very comfortable.
We still have SOME Amish living the old way. If you think they all live this way you’re sorely mistaken.
The Amish like most religious extremists are sexist and racist. No thank you.
I'm from the beautiful Co.Clare ..but living in New Zealand. Watching her walk the roads made my heart ache for my beautiful Ireland.. 😢
Then why don't you go back to Ireland?
Liz Clegg
Why do any of us remain in exile ?
Need you to think a bit more, Liz...Your comment seems rather flippant...
@@lizclegg7556 My parents came to the U.S. in the early 50s and regretted it til the end of their days. We, their children, grew up in an atmosphere of extreme discontent as they pined for their home land. Why didn't they go back? It's easy to toss off such a question, but complicated to define. In most cases it's because the almighty dollar and a "better lifestyle" had its grip on them. They did actually go back for a while but the spell was cast. We couldn't readjust, so they returned here disappointed, and the griping continued. What is discontentment, why do some realize the value of home, being rooted in the place you were born, contributing to it. Contentment of mind is a treasure, many times an elusive one. Margaret Gallagher possesses it.
@@ronaldalarsen8925 Well go ahead and tell us Ronalda, or have you not thought about it yourself? At least Marguerita had something useful to say.
Liz Clegg
You didn't .
This lady’s story is one that made me reminisce about my grandma who lived an austere life with my grandpa in a house without modern amenities. She taught me a lot about what matters. I’m 73 y/o and look forward to the day when I’ll see her in heaven. Margaret’s life is a testimony to all that worldly “stuff” isn’t what matters. Thank you for this video.
An inspirational woman for all. She is a strong intelligent woman who clearly loves her house and life and the people in it. It just shows you don't need hordes of material possessions to be happy in this life especially if you are surrounded by the beauty of nature and have a purpose in life to focus the mind and bring you into the social side of your community.
She knows nothing else!!! It's altogether boring.
@@tatie7604 Happiness is a state of mind , any Guru will tell u that, she has her bits and bobs that keep her contented and happy within her community, she appears to like living simple and alone in a beautiful natural surrounding, ok, it's unusual but how many people are really happy that you know ? Keep it simple does have its merits , rushing around the place to satisfy corporate greed and being under pressure and stress brings unhappiness she would counter argue , I admire someone who hasn't let technology control her life to be almost dependent on it, and probably leading to the destruction of the planet eventually. Her environmental footprint is small too, thats hard to do today , may be boring relative to other lifestyles but its her choice and she is respected for it in her community. She isn't bored.
What a National Treasure Margaret is for N. Ireland! She is an amazing and blessed woman!
A great Irish woman she is indeed
"...my father and grandfather before me." I love the respect and love she shows for her family.
I adore this video. I am taking care of my father and mother. I know the joy, and sadness it can bring. I pray that I get to visit you and your cottage when I get to Ireland to do research of my ancestors.
You will get there!!
What an incredible woman with an incredible story. She is blessed beyond measure with integrity, generosity, love, warmth and peace. Thus, she is far richer than all the rich people of this world put together. May God continue to bless you Margaret, always🙏.
Was just made aware of Margaret today!What an amazing lady. she is so content and has such a sense of place. Her home is like an oasis of calm in our troubled world. Less is certainly more.
Margaret Hogan I
You go live off the grid. Then tell me how wonderful it is.
LOTS of ppl live off the grid nowadays and absolutely love it. Some people feel like hamsters on wheels in modern society and find a simpler life to be more peaceful and fulfilling.
Why don't y'all go try it then. Went W/O TV. Hot water. Guess what..
Indoor plumbing It's pretty awesome.
Plenty of us are living in RVs, vans, cars, buses... You need to check out this channel so that you can see what makes people love the simple life and divorce themselves from the notion that the typical consumerist lifestyle is the best way: ruclips.net/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A
Her life is from her Soul. Nowadays the soul is discarded and money and "things" become obsessions instead of the people around us.
Sad but very true. Consumerism has taken over, everyone is materialistic and brand obsessed.
True that!
37Munchie Who wants to obsess or inspire such? My "things" aren't prone to narcissism, do not lie, and make no attempt to be abusive. Think I can hang with a plate, spoon, and blanket until a few more decent and sane people show up. She has lots of nice things, as you can see, and doesn't reject money.
@@deejay1068 not everyone
Money is to much.
People like this should live forever!
My grandparents raised 9 sons in a cottage like this in the Blueridge Mountains of North Carolina, USA. The same socio-economic issues of unemployment, poverty, and the exodus of young people to find opportunities still exists in the small mountain communities today.