Songs and stories from Ireland
I had a fascinating chat with Declan Bryne, he gave me a little insight into what life was like on the docks. Behind the hardships there was a solidarity second to none. Something that you would have only found with The Dublin Dockers ……
I drove up to Ballykinlar Internment Camp just before Christmas. I drove in the gates not knowing it was a British Military Camp now. Just been there overwhelmed me with love and respect for all the prisoners that where interned there. The brutal treatment they received and poor conditions they lived in. I then went to visit Mick King, who told me a lot about what it would have been like ……
Family, Friends, Clarinet and of course, The Beatles could be the main ingredients to Mark Gilligan. Then throw in Bravery, Determination, Isolation, Multiple Sclerosis, and Second Hand Wheelchairs……
Recorded at The Liam Mellows Memorial. Finglas 07/12/19
I hope this will be the start of many recordings like these. Generations where rared around The Iveagh Markets. These people worked hard and none where millionaires. But they all have fond memories of those days and they all looked after each other.
Sister Marie is a 93 year old Dominican nun. She is the author of two books , Dominican Education in Ireland 1820-1930 and another From Channel Row To Cabra 1717-1820. She is am amazing lady. She asked me after our chat would I put this recording into the archives of The Dominican Nuns of Ireland. I did…..
The closure of Del La Salle school in Ballyfermot. Even though these lads would not have had it so easy. There was a lovely sense of self belonging through all the ages. Good structures for life….
I heard Nial Ring on Newstalk one morning. He touched. on Ballykinlar Internment camp. As my Grandad was interned there also between 1920 – 1921. I was intrigued and wanted to hear more. So I got in touch with him. And he kindly invited me out to his house for a cup of tea and a chat…..