Keane branding iron Clostoken

 

Kathy Keane showing her great grandfathers branding iron.

Christy Cunniffe

 

MK for Michael Keane

Christy Cunniffe

 

Side view showing circular ring at the end

Christy Cunniffe

 

MK from the back

Christy Cunniffe

This branding iron belonged to Michael Keane of Clostoken, Loughrea. It is thought to date to around 1800. He was a sheep farmer renting land on the St Clerans estate. He is the great grandfather of the informant. This branding iron was used until the 1990s. It comprises of a blacksmith made branding iron with two letters M and K differentiating it from other Keane families in the area. The Keanes use the colour blue. The Keanes were substantial sheep farmers.

Information kindly provided by Kathy Keane granddaughter of Michael Keane.