R. and F. Keane
of Cappoquin Foundry, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, Ireland
1887 The Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition; The Irish Section: 'The second exhibit is by Messrs. R. and F. Keene [sic], The Foundry, Cappoquin, county Waterford, who send an enclosed-gear two-horse mower complete, and steel tooth tumbling rake and hay gatherer.'[1]
1889 'ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY'S SPRING SHOW
IRISH-MADE FARM IMPLEMENTS.......
There is also a fine stand of implements from the works of R. and F. Kane [sic], the Foundry, Cappoquin, county Waterford. This firm, though not many years in the iron work business, has made great progress, and the testimonials which they publish from agriculturists in all parts of the country, show that the implements produced by them are well appreciated by the farmers who have used them. The "Munster Mower," a beautifully finished machine oi ingenious design, is much admired by farmers and others who examined it during the past few days. It is a powerful, light, and easily draughted machine, and those who have used it on rough and mossy land speak highly of its qualities. The same firm exhibits several specimens of newly improved horse rakes: and hay collectors, easy to handle and efficient in work, and what is perhaps as important, cheap in cost.'[2]
The company frequently advertised for staff in newspapers around Britain and Ireland, but avoiding the major industrial areas, preferring younger men, and excluding union members. Some examples:-
1884: 'WANTED, TWO or THREE LADS used to the Fitting Up of Light Agricultural Machinery; good wages if steady hands.— Apply R. and F. Keane, Cappoquin, Ireland.'[3]
'Smith: wanted Man used to light agricultural work and piecework; non society. R and F Keane, Cappoquin, Ireland.'[4]
'WANTED, at once, a LAD used to Planing and Slotting. State age, wages required, and say where last at work. — R. &. F. Keane, Cappoquin, Ireland.'[5]
'Smith Wanted, used to Agricultural Implement Work, and able to Make and Dress Turners' Tools.—State all particulars and give references R. and F. Keane, Cappoquin, Ireland.'[6]
1889 Advertisement: 'BLACKSMITH Wanted, non-society ; & thorough good man to take principal work and make and repair tools in a small Implement works ; preference given to a man with sons old enough to enter works.—Apply, giving references and full particulars. to R. and F. Keane. Cappoquin Foundry, Ireland.'[7]
The firm expanded and moved to Wexford, becoming the Wexford Engineering Co, and retaining the STAR brand name and symbol for their agricultural machinery.