Kingsland Wheelwright

Roger McHugh of Tonroe has been a Wheelwright for the last 50 years. He learned his trade from his father Roger, his grandfather another Roger and also a Wheelwright.

It is obvious to anyone who has seen his work that he is an expert. The Leitrim Heritage Centre recently made a video of Roger at work. On the video he displays and explains in great detail how he makes a wheel, starting with a big chunk of oak and finishing with a beautifully crafted wheel. The wheel is almost totally made with hand tools and lots of elbow grease. He shows a great love and pride in his work and he displays his talent. Nothing machine made could compare to the beautiful hand work on the finished product. 

This man doesn't have to check in textbooks for measurements he is like a good cook, the recipes are all in his head. He can rhyme off all the measurements required for the different parts of every size wheel, down to the last inch.

He makes the whole task look easy, but it is obviously very difficult and there are many hours spent on the making of every wheel. I have seen some of the finished products made by Roger and anyone would be proud to display one in his house as an antique.

Roger says that anyone could be trained as a Wheelwright in a few months, but I think it would take a long time to compare with this man. Every piece seemed to fall into place for him and every part fits perfectly. 

Roger's talent is not restricted to the wheel. Most houses around Kingsland with young children have miniature chairs hand crafted by Roger. They resemble the old type milking stools and they can take a lot more abuse than the fancy one available today.

Gates, wheelbarrows and handles for tools are among other things he makes. I also saw a horse trap that he made, it was a back to back type, and it was surely a sight to behold; every little detail was so beautifully shaped. I am sure it would bring back many memories to the older generation who had to use them for their transport. He also made a fiddle when he was 11 years old.

This is a man who can make anything out of a piece of wood. If you have spare time a visit to Roger would be well worthwhile as you will rarely meet anyone so talented with wood. It is a pity to see this sort of trade dying out. If I had a child old enough, I would encourage him or her to spend time with Roger. I think it could be said that he would be better than any woodwork teacher.

I would like to wish him success for many years to come. 

- Freda Forde

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