1. The Commencement of the Memoir of Old Thady

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Ireland. Old Thady has served under four disastrous generations of the Rackrents: * Sir Patrick drinks * Sir Murtagh litigates * Sir Kit gambles * Sir Condy (Sir Connolly) merely fritters away the family fortunes Yet he is still the ever-faithful retainer at the bankrupt Castle Rackrent. In the commencement of the Memoir of Old Thady - he recalls that it was Sir Patrick O'Shaughlin who earned the nickname 'Sir Patrick Rackrent' due to his extravagance.... Maria Edgeworth's satire on Anglo-Irish landlords, first published in 1800. Abridged in eight parts by John Scotney. Read by Cyril Cusack Produced at BBC Northern Ireland by Jeremy Howe. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.