He himself hadn't cut turf since he was a boy and went out with his grandfather on his mother's side.

In the 1940s, machines for cutting turf were introduced and larger-scale exploitation became possible.

Turbary is the ancient right to cut turf, or peat, for fuel on a particular area of bog.

Turbary: the right to cut turf or peat for fuel.

'They've been cutting turf since daybreak, making the most of the good weather.'

Many of the residents continue to cut turf (peat) for use in heating their homes during the long winter months.

Locals had the right to cut turf, bracken, heather and wood that was primarily cultivated to feed the forest deer.

"We will help and assist everyone who wishes to cut turf on the bogs affected," he said.

Ostensibly the men had come to cut turf for Father Murphy, their local curate, which was a custom at the time.

At no great distance there were two men cutting turf, who, seeing Lizzie running wild without a rider, had left their work to catch her.