Pay attention all farmers I think it’s worthwhile, To pen these few lines it will cause you to smile. Of a boon of flex pullers that started one day, Around Greencastle near Barney Shan’s bray. There’s the Donnelly’s and Bradley’s and McCrory’s as well, McCullagh, Jim Morris and Tracey’s so swell. From Greencastle to Cookstown was too much for a bike, So Sam Logue drove the tractor both morning and night. There were great cheers of laughter and cries of delight, When they reached the pubs and some have got tight. Eddie McCullagh the leader, a man of renown, Always a smile or never a frown. Travelled by car, but didn’t stop long, So he left Jim Pack to work hard and carry on. The mornin’ they started would make you afraid, You would think they were soldiers going out on parade. As they started o’er the fields McKeown gave command, Better do the work well boys and tighten up the bands. Such a sight to be held on a bright August morn, As they started o’er the field, them men strong. The beats soon came out and the boys were so keen, Sam Logue thought them better, Than the flex pulling machine. So now to conclude, my pen I will dip, To the farmers of Tyrone, I will give a tip. To avoid disappointment book early in June, Greencastle Flex pulling boon.

This poem was composed by Rhona’s father, who was headmaster in Greencastle for over 30 years, he died in 1936. Craig a choic (pronounced ‘craigachoke’) is a small hill off Mullydoo Road, past Gerald Coyle’s. An old coach road called the Green Road runs past it. Maggie and Jamie Coyle actually existed, but had trouble with their cows’ milk going sour (attributed to the vindictive wee folk). The hero with the dog was Rhona’s eldest brother Packie, the insurance man.