James Cannon branding iron

Patricia Mc Grath showing the Cannon branding iron

Patricia Mc Grath filling out the survey sheet.

Christy Cunniffe

Large letter C for Cannon with traces of blue paint.

Christy Cunniffe

Side view showing the wooden handle or grip.

Christy Cunniffe

James Cannon branding iron with label

Christy Cunniffe

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Ireland

This branding iron owned by James Cannon of Gortnalon, Gurteen was made from an old modified rush light stand. There is no real idea of its age but the farm is in the Cannon name for several generations. It belonged to James Cannon (1923-2000). The informant stated that where several farmers had the same initial or letter the position on the body where they placed the brand on the sheep or the colour they used functioned as an personal identifying ID. Traces of blue survive on this brand. The letter C is quite large. The brand has a wooden grip.

Information provided by Patricia M^c Grath of Gurteen, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.