Grass grows over the long driveway and sheep graze on the lawn, where once tea was served and croquet played. Everyone uses the back door to the kitchen. We were able to hand over to our son Thomas, who's basically a farmer. He's been to Teageasc's Gurteen College and is good with machinery as well as the animals. There's always been close interaction between us and the town.
People have the use of the park and the small wood.
There's a local agreement not to go too close to the house. Dublin people wouldn't understand it. Soccer's still played here and horseshoe-throwing. We've run a drama group in the stables for the last 10 years. Although Cosbys have been in Stradbally since the 16th century, the present house dates from 1772.