The old Infirmary on the Mall was founded in 1765, and its last resident surgeon, Dr. McBride, encashed his own life assurance policy to make up the funds for an operating theatre. It was succeeded by the Mayo County Hospital, where Matron Duffy had to impose a ban on stiletto heels in order to protect the floor covering. This episode also looks at the Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, itself a community within a community.

For questions, comments and queries about the show please contact us at historyofcastlebar@gmail.com. 'The History of Castlebar' by Noel Campbell & John Healy is available online at https://www.mayobooks.ie/Castlebar-History-Mayo-Healy-9781914596063. The podcast series is produced by Brendan Gilmartin https://brendangilmartin.ie/