Lisbeg branding iron

 

Elaborate B for Bourns

Hubert Cunniffe

This branding iron belongs to the Bourns family of Lisbeg, Eyrecourt. The branding iron has an elaborate B. It is mounted on a single iron handle with a loop on the end. It measures 13 cm by 7 cm. The colour used is red. It can still be seen on the brand. The Bourns family are farming in Lisbeg since the first decade of the 20th century when they acquired it after Gardiner, son in law of Alan Pollock of Lismany. Various families such as Lantry, Cunniffe and Healy worked on the Lisbeg estate. The Lantry family, my grandmothers people were herds and shepherds and likely used this brand in the past. The Cunniffe’s my own family are the third generation of the family working on the estate. A lambing house specially constructed with a fireplace for the shepherd tending to the ewes during the night was built on the estate. This is now derelict.

Information provided by Hubert Cunniffe.