In the event he managed to secure a mortgage of €90,000 from the bank and set off to find something suitable. Once he knew his surname, Foley started “scouring” London phonebooks and making numerous calls before finally locating the man in question. The cottage, mentioned in the 1911 census, on nearly 1.2 hectares (3 acres) was considered derelict and having been advised on its value, Foley offered €55,000. The cottage, mentioned in the 1911 census, on nearly 1.2 hectares (3 acres) was considered derelict. Today, the house is complete, the old turf shed is now a habitable one-bed apartment with kitchen, bathroom and wood-burning stove.

Source: The Irish Times June 08, 2019 09:00 UTC