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Papers: List of Papers 2002-06 |
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May 9th. Public Meeting |
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Skerries M Historical Society had an excellent presentation at their monthly meeting in May when many old memories were recalled from the writings of the senior citizens who meet in the Day Care Centre on a weekly basis. Chairman Brian O'Byrne firstly introduced the participants and the evening consisted of a selection of stories and reminiscences of those who meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Day Care Centre. They were accompanied by Betty Rooney, who looks after the running of the Centre and Bernadette Denny who also helps out on a regular basis as well as other volunteers. These memories have already been published in two books. The first volume entitled "Memories" was coordinated by Norma McMaster and the second volume "Shared Memories" was down to the efforts of Carmel Coyle, Marie Synnott and Una Sweeney. They feature the sometimes sad, sometimes funny memories of our senior citizens and are always well worth a read! Tony Keeling read a selection from his late mother's memories. One of her escapades when she was just seventeen, told how she sneaked out one night out of her bedroom window, met up with her pals and had a great night dancing in the Tower Ballroom (which according to her strict father was "a den of iniquity"). At the interval during the dance, the M.C. called her name, and thinking she had won a spot prize, she dashed up to the stage, only to be confronted by her father!! She ran home, in through the bedroom window, but heard her father's ominous words outside the door..."I'll see you in the morning". Marie Synnott then read some more memories. We heard of Tom McNally's trip to Rome in 1967 for a priest's ordination. Tom went on some guided tours and visited the Irish college. Una Sweeney then told about Jane Plunkett's schooldays, and her visits to the "Amusements" in Morris's Yard. She also remembered visits to Maureen Potter, Jimmy O'Dea and the many Showbands. We also got a glimpse into the young days of Kathleen Caffrey who was born in Knock, Co. Mayo, but came to Dublin to train as a Hairdresser and set up her own salon in Skerries. |
Nuala Devine told how she "never asked why"? She was brought up by her grandmother in Ardee, while the other members of her family lived with her mother. We heard about Christmas in the old days by Paddy Devine who remembered the parcel from Santa Claus which cost one and six and how he got a brand new shilling, with an apple and an orange in his Christmas Stocking (a long way from the present day with I Pods and mobile phones). Ann O'Halloran recalled her schooldays in Kildare with the Presentation nuns where she learned embroidery. We had farm memories from Tess Dockrell one of whose chores was to milk the cows. One day she had to bring six dozen eggs to the local shop in the town. Her mother gave her strict instructions not to cycle while carrying the eggs. Nothing daunted, Tess got on her bicycle, but of course had a mishap! All the 72 eggs were one big yellow mess. Imagine having to face her mother when she reached home! Kevin and Sheila Nolan went to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and we heard of their memories there. Bernie Gough's story was how he started work when he was 12. He was a messenger boy and delivered milk. Then he did cabinet making in Dublin and finally worked with Bernie Clancy and Joe Derham in the Radio and Electrical shop in the Square. Bernie retired at the early age of 86! At the end of the evening, Carmel Coyle told us about the publishing of the book which is beautifully designed by Steven Hope. Many of the Day Care Clients were present at the meeting and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. John Harte proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the Society. Bernadette Denny wished us to thank the Historical Society and especially John Harte for arranging this wonderful evening of readings from the "Shared Memories" book. Also thanks to Carmel Coyle for travelling from England for the occasion, and to Marie, Una, Tony, Norma, Hugh, Steven and Pat and those who provided transport. And of course to Richard and Pauline Keane, the Bus Bar.
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