Interviewed by Darragh Brady / photos by Kristina Kelly

Darragh: How long have you lived in the area?
Alice: Since 1965, so 57 years.

Darragh: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
Alice: Good neighbours and family. I have enjoyed everything.

Darragh: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
Alice: No. Things were normal and good, we never wanted for anything.

Darragh: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
Alice: Chatting to my friends on the phone and sticking to the guidelines helped me through lockdown.

Darragh: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
Alice: Well, I’m well retired now so I’m doing nothing apart from watching television, especially The Chase. I’m staying connected by phone calls and going to town on Fridays.

Darragh: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
Alice: Well, I’d hope everything will be back to normality, and that we could go out and about and visit our relations and neighbours.

Pictured below is Darragh’s creative response to his interview with Alice- a wooden pencil holder. Also shown are images from Alice’s shoot with photographer Kristina Kelly.