Lacky

LACKY (flat stones) Area 53:2:32

Griffiths Valuation 1862

Occupier………………………….Lessor Description James Johnston…………………………. Rev J Richardson H Os & L Patk McElroy…………………………… James Johnston House Elizabeth McDowell……………………..James Johnston House Francis Graham……………………….....Rev J Richardson H Os & L Francis Connolly……………………….. Francis Graham H & G Edward Connolly………………………. Francis Graham H & G James Benson……………………………Rev. J Richardson Spade Factory & L Rev J Richardson………………………… in fee Plantation

1901 Census

Head of Family…………………..Landholder if different Mary Maguire…………………………...Annie Benson Richard Benson………………………… Major Richardson Margaret McElroy ………………………Major Richardson Chas. Gallagher………………………... Major Richardson Edw. McDonald……………………… John Nixon of Clonatty …………………………………………...Annie Benson, Spade Foundry

McMahon's Spade Mill

Lacky was once the site of McMahons Spade mill. This venture began around 1860 in Tonitybog on the same river as Lynch’s mill. It was first a cornmill and then the first McMahon changed to a spade-mill. There had been an earlier spade mill of Benson’s as shown above. McMahons acquired this business and at one time were producing around 15 different types of spade adapted to the different types of soil and different work requirements. The Fermanagh’s favourite was medium length, straight blade, straight shaft with a cross piece. With all the changes to farming, the only spade work done nowadays can be done by the supermarket garden spade. The spade mill closed in 1970. So well known was the McMahon spade that there is a poem about it, we quote a verse

“	There will be a passing reference to the farmers of today And to all the drastic changes they have made Well, I hope some kind historian will have a word to say Of Fermanagh’s friend the oul McMahon spade.	”
—Matt Duggen, From Mountain to Lough