In late December here the wind would rip the head off your shoulder.

But here is dark grey and leaden-coloured pyritous schist –  hand crafted into this most beautiful old roof.

Pointed with lime mortar

With stones carefully hand cut and graded by size.  I would hate to guess how heavy this roof is.

Each stone has been punched by chisel.

Tomas – he remembers when this shed was roofed in the 30s and he was just a wee slip of a boyo.

Back then – these old tiles came from a nearby dwelling house undergoing modernisation.  As did this magnificent cast iron range – which came from a tea shop in Ardara.

Tomas bought it in 1951 for the sum of £8 – then transported the dissembled parts by horse and cart to Loughros Point. Where since the fire has never been allowed to go out.

Back at the ranch the brave Mc Cabes wrestle with the elements.

‘Soakers’ are cut of lead and shaped

These envelop each individual slate at the chimney interface

Giving maximum protection from the (incorrigible) rain.

Equally an ‘apron’ is formed using a jig – which shall surround the chimney base.

For most of December our slates are frozen solid in crates, then a sudden burst of clement weather allows for the roof to be finished (except for ridge tiles.)

We can not be sure but hope that January shall afford us conditions for windows and doors.